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Diet
Apr 9, 2019 6:56:58 GMT -5
via mobile
Post by baseballfanatic2 on Apr 9, 2019 6:56:58 GMT -5
Hello,
I've been lurking around for quite some time now. My name is Chris. I have two female ferrets about 4-5 years old now each.
I just found out about the raw diet. They have been on kibble. Both are very healthy, friendly, and active.
Considering switching, because Petco just bought drsfostersmith and now they don't sell the drsfostersmith brand kibble anymore.
I fed two kibbles. Drsfostersmith brand and ZuPreem ferret diet (no corn).
I need help with the diet transition to another kibble. Any other kibble you recommend?
I know everyone will mention raw diet, I just don't know if I'll have the time to meal prep for them as I barely have time to make myself lunch in the mornings before work. I do spend two hours a night with them.
Also, realizing they need 4 hours a day of free time, I might consider finding them a new home as I don't think I give them enough attention to be honest. Anybody in the pembroke pines, FL area that might consider taking them in if this doesn't work out? It's just a cautionary measure if I can't give them more attention which I'm trying to do because I really love them
What do you guys think?
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Diet
Apr 14, 2019 18:37:57 GMT -5
Post by caitmonster on Apr 14, 2019 18:37:57 GMT -5
Hi Chris, hope you're enjoying the forum. When transitioning to another kibble, it's recommended to gradually mix the new into a bag of the old, both to avoid digestive upset but mainly because ferrets imprint on what they regularly eat and might refuse something new. The most recommended brands of kibble are Wysong, and Orijen for cats; the latter is sometimes sold in pet stores but as far as I know Wysong has to be ordered online. If you're not sure you could commit to meal prep for a "frankenprey" raw diet, there are commercially available raw diets, both freeze-dried and frozen, which can provide the same benefits. Is there a room in which they could safely free roam while you're away? Single ferrets need quite a bit of one on one interaction with their humans, but a pair is able to keep themselves company in that regard. They still do require as much time as you can give them outside of their cage, though, so a ferret-proofed room is the ideal situation.
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Diet
Apr 14, 2019 21:41:02 GMT -5
via mobile
Post by baseballfanatic2 on Apr 14, 2019 21:41:02 GMT -5
Hi Chris, hope you're enjoying the forum. When transitioning to another kibble, it's recommended to gradually mix the new into a bag of the old, both to avoid digestive upset but mainly because ferrets imprint on what they regularly eat and might refuse something new. The most recommended brands of kibble are Wysong, and Orijen for cats; the latter is sometimes sold in pet stores but as far as I know Wysong has to be ordered online. If you're not sure you could commit to meal prep for a "frankenprey" raw diet, there are commercially available raw diets, both freeze-dried and frozen, which can provide the same benefits. Is there a room in which they could safely free roam while you're away? Single ferrets need quite a bit of one on one interaction with their humans, but a pair is able to keep themselves company in that regard. They still do require as much time as you can give them outside of their cage, though, so a ferret-proofed room is the ideal situation. How do I meal prep raw food? Will it make their poop smell better ? Also, what food is readily available if I can't meal prep? I do have a room but they tend to poop in corners. Idk how you train them. They also dig at the carpets.
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Diet
Apr 14, 2019 22:09:29 GMT -5
via mobile
Post by baseballfanatic2 on Apr 14, 2019 22:09:29 GMT -5
What do you think of this kibble?
Wysong Ferret Epigen 90 Digestive Support - Dry Ferret Food
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Diet
Apr 15, 2019 7:59:52 GMT -5
Post by abbeytheferret6 on Apr 15, 2019 7:59:52 GMT -5
Do you have litter boxes? Some people make their own. You want it to have a high back. Not all plastic will survive cutting as some types crack. Put these in the corners of the room. Now the hardest places to keep ferrets from poohing are the corners where a door will hit the wall when going in the room. I put fabric in those corners and then a potty nearby. www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/marshall-pet-products-small-animal-high-back-litter-pan-2125624?cm_I really like doggie pads for corners. U would think they were all leak proof but they are not. I tack them up the wall a little with painters tape and sometimes to the floor. I have to do this especially at the front door as it gets opened a lot and the wind will blow it out of place. This is the favorite spot for my ferrets when playing in the living room. Because my carpet is dark I did not realize my ferrets were using the whole length of a baseboard for a latrine. After cleaning thoroughly, I laid a long blanket there. No more poohs, but a potty is nearby. Yes, they will tear up your carpet in a heartbeat trying to get in a closed door. So I have done this to entrance to my bedroom--- a piece of vinyl that is cut to fit. It slides under the door --- you will have to tack it down in the other room. Ferrets are a big pain in the butt but to me they are worth it.
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Diet
Apr 15, 2019 9:33:11 GMT -5
Post by caitmonster on Apr 15, 2019 9:33:11 GMT -5
How do I meal prep raw food? Will it make their poop smell better ? Also, what food is readily available if I can't meal prep?
Yes, raw fed ferrets have reduced body and poop odor, on account of being better hydrated--since they are designed to get most of their hydration through what they eat, and raw has a much higher moisture content than kibble--as well as not having to digest processed ingredients.
The Holistic Ferret website has an explanation of how to switch to and prepare a raw diet here; I'd recommend reading thru it when you have the time as it's designed to give you everything you need to know:
Personally, my meal prep amounts to about 30-40 minutes once a week, including clean-up, to cut up and portion out meals for the week. I get everything out of the freezer Sunday night to defrost in the fridge, then work on it Tuesday. I follow the suggested diet plan in the second link and use 4 oz snack size Tupperware for each AM/PM meal, so then all I have to do is defrost each day's meal throughout the week.
Commercially available raw comes in two forms, freeze-dried (fed rehydrated with water) and frozen, either a mix (grinds) or the whole animal. There's a list here: Raw and Whole Prey Providers
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Diet
Apr 15, 2019 9:46:21 GMT -5
Post by caitmonster on Apr 15, 2019 9:46:21 GMT -5
What do you think of this kibble? Wysong Ferret Epigen 90 Digestive Support - Dry Ferret Food
I haven't used it myself but I know some people on here do and as far as I know it's a decent kibble. You will have to see how your ferrets take to it though. Remember too that it's still good to feed a mix of kibbles, in case you're not able to get one of them.
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Diet
Apr 15, 2019 13:09:15 GMT -5
Post by abbeytheferret6 on Apr 15, 2019 13:09:15 GMT -5
Tip you may want to use or not; I have a white board that I have tacked to my wall with days of week on it. While I do not use this menu, you can write out a similar weekly meal plan and go by the menu. I liked seeing my menu.
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