Salmon oil substitution

[cockneyferret]

Hi all,

Our two girls are settling in really well and Bandida loves Salmon oil, but her sister Ladrona doesn't like it at all. In fact if she gets any on herself she wipes her face all around their bedding.

Is there an option to try a different treat for her?

At the moment I am concentrating on rewarding good behaviour both verbally and with salmon oil rewards for Bandida but can't do the same for Ladrona.

Thoughts?

Neil

[Heather]

I use herring oil..but sometimes it's just a matter of using it until they're more accepting.
ciao

[caitmonster]

I had to put a couple drops of salmon oil on Rocket's meals when he first came home because he had never had it before and wouldn't voluntarily take it if I offered. It took about a week but he got used to the taste and started accepting it.

[cockneyferret]

Yes indeed, I think perseverance and time is key. Have tried a drop inside a small round of minced beef tonight which ladrona took two of. Tonight is also the first night that neither of them have drawn blood, so things are generally looking good.

Cheers

Neil

[cockneyferret]

She still won't take it directly, but has continued to take the odd treat with a drop added. Time will tell.

Cheers

[peacexlovexpets]

Have you looked into emu oil? I know some people use it (although spendy, but if it just a reward drop here and there it should last you a while).

She might just hate fish. A lot of ferrets don't like fish meats and treats, so I would avoid all fish oils if you are looking for a true substitute (it always surprises me how well salmon oil goes down though). I'm not sure what Ferretone is based in, by even my picky eaters love it and choose it over salmon oil. Although it has some sugar in it, if it is used as a treat and not a daily supplement it shouldn't hurt.

I tried to train my business on egg yolks and what I would do it grind up food in a coffee grinder (I am not a raw feeder, so basically powdering their kibble), mix it with the egg yolk, and then give them about 0.5mL of the mix every now and then. Three of my four now quite enjoy their egg yolk soup, but I still have one that will get very upset if it gets on him (he will syringe eat it, but if it dribbles down his face he gets upset) and will try to clean himself off by rolling in the litter box after eating it. It just kind of depends on the ferret I guess.