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Post by jadieglitch on Feb 8, 2011 17:10:57 GMT -5
I've been doing my research and I've come up with a few questions:
1. I've checked out pictures of ferrets eating raw meat and I've cringed seeing them drag raw chicken all over people's houses. No judgment, it just worries me that my ferret will be covering themselves and our things in salmonella and all other sorts of bad news. Is there a routine that ferret owners go through to clean up their ferret friends after they've eaten? I just can't imagine snuggling into my pet after they've covered themselves in slimy chicken meats.
2. How often do you feed? From what I've been able to gather, ferrets are fed once a day? Is that correct? I feed my cats twice a day so feeding the ferrets twice a day is what I had in mind as well, however I could be wrong as to what is correct.
3. I've seen people use a cat-carrier to feed their ferret in. They just lock them up until they're done and release them to play after they've finished. Is this the norm?
4. Why did the other forum get shut down? We have been thinking about getting ferrets for a long time and I know holistic is the BEST way to go so I would research on the other forum every time I felt the need. Then a few days ago I tried to retrieve my user information so I could log in and post a question but the site couldn't recognize my credentials at all.. so after many failed attempts I got desperate and created a new one, only to find out I couldn't post, so I then finally stumbled around until I found out that there is a new forum. What happened?
I know I have more questions; I'll post them as they come back to me.
Thank you in advance!
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Post by katt on Feb 8, 2011 17:46:09 GMT -5
I've been doing my research and I've come up with a few questions:
1. I've checked out pictures of ferrets eating raw meat and I've cringed seeing them drag raw chicken all over people's houses. No judgment, it just worries me that my ferret will be covering themselves and our things in salmonella and all other sorts of bad news. Is there a routine that ferret owners go through to clean up their ferret friends after they've eaten? I just can't imagine snuggling into my pet after they've covered themselves in slimy chicken meats.My ferrets do NOT drag their meat all over the house. I feed them in their cage and in their cage only. With the exception of live prey which they hunt outside or in the bathtub (dep on time of year) and then are taken with the dead prey STRAIGHT to the cage to eat it. When they are out of their cage, the cage is closed so that they can't drag food out. 2. How often do you feed? From what I've been able to gather, ferrets are fed once a day? Is that correct? I feed my cats twice a day so feeding the ferrets twice a day is what I had in mind as well, however I could be wrong as to what is correct.No. You should typically be feeding 2-3 times a day, or free feeding - in which case it is possible to feed "once a day." Ferrets have fast metabolism, especially young ones, and need food access several times a day - kits need constant access to food. With raw, it doesn't go bad as fast as you would think, it dries out before it spoils. Whole prey is usually good for oh 48 hours or so (but usually is eaten well before then), whole meats (meaty bones, chunks of meat, chicken hearts, etc) are good for about 24 hours, ground meats are good for about 12 hours, and soupies for about 8 hours. Typically the routine that I follow, and I know a good majority of peopel here do as well, is to feed twice a day/ You feed once in the morning. In the evening, remove any "bad" food and top off with fresh food. Repeat in the morning. Once a day the feeding den and dish (will get to this in your next Q) is cleaned/sterilized, and a new meal given. So say at night I will clean the feeding den and give new food, and in the morning I will remove bad food from last night and add more new food. They have access this way to the food all day long (called Free Range Feeding), but are "fed" twice a day. Another methods is to offer a meal in the morning and let them eat, then remove it after they are done or after 30 min, etc, and put any leftovers in the fridge, then repeat for lunch and/or dinner (whether you feed 2 or 3 times a day). I prefer free range feeding, it is better for the ferrets as they can eat to keep up with their metabolism. So, to sum it up, they have access to food all day and all night. I add fresh food twice a day and toss out any bad food at the same time. I clean the feeding den and dish once a day. When they come out after work/school to play for the night, their cage is closed off so that they cannot drag food around my house. 3. I've seen people use a cat-carrier to feed their ferret in. They just lock them up until they're done and release them to play after they've finished. Is this the norm? Um...no. See my above answers. Now, what you will want to consider though is a feeding den. It helps to guide stashing of foods from all over to one, particular designated spot (it Helps a LOT but does not entirely prevent food from being stashed elsewhere). Cardboard boxes work, as do tupperware containers with a hole cut into them. This simulates their natural feeding conditions as in the wild they are burrowers and will hide their food in dens. It helps keep mess and stashing to a minimum as well and helps keep most of the food in one area. Most. Cardboard boxes are great because they can be tossed when they get dirty. Plastic bins are easy to clean out. 4. Why did the other forum get shut down? We have been thinking about getting ferrets for a long time and I know holistic is the BEST way to go so I would research on the other forum every time I felt the need. Then a few days ago I tried to retrieve my user information so I could log in and post a question but the site couldn't recognize my credentials at all.. so after many failed attempts I got desperate and created a new one, only to find out I couldn't post, so I then finally stumbled around until I found out that there is a new forum. What happened?The creator of the site went MIA. There were many functions and features that we wanted to make available, but could not do so without the site creator. The old site has been relocated to this new one. IT is the "same" site, same members, etc but now we are able to make things available, fix things, change things, etc that couldn't be done on the old site in order to keep it current. The old site can still be used (and is used) as a reference as there is a LOT of great info stored up there. But THIS is now THE Holistic Ferret Forum. Think of it as the same site with a new look. Sherry who got this up and running is still working on a banner and logo and buttons and smileys and such, so hopefully we will have that going soon as well. I know I have more questions; I'll post them as they come back to me.Ask away! That is what we are here for!
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Post by jadieglitch on Feb 8, 2011 18:04:12 GMT -5
Thank you for all the great info!!! Wow, that clears up a lot; I appreciate it . 1. So, for a feeding den, is this basically a tube that runs from their cage and is connected to a box/tub? I've seen people do this with their "poo" areas so that there is no litter box in their living space. I like this idea for both a litter area and a feeding den so that they have the most space possible in their living area; what do you think? 2. I'm assuming you have a room designated for your ferrets (which I think is the best option), but what if my place isn't big enough for them to have their own room that they can play in all day by themselves? I planned on having a large cage for sleeping, etc, and then (after ferret-proofing the house) allowing them to hang out with me during the day or whenever I'm home so they can get adequate exercise. We have a one-level, two bedroom house we're renting that is adequate, but small and with no extra room. Is it a bad idea to get ferrets (we're only wanting two) in our living situation, considering the fact that we can't give them their own room? 3. Closing the cage so they don't drag food around while having the ferrets with me during the day would eliminate their ability to "free-range" because they couldn't get back into their cages when they wanted.... any tips on this? Or maybe I misunderstood... Do I just keep an eye on them and when they're wanting back in, open the door?
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Post by Deleted on Feb 8, 2011 18:29:20 GMT -5
1. I feed my guys in their cage, I have 4 small metal food bowls that their food gets served in.
2. I usually feed them at night and there is usually enough left over for my guys to snack on through the next day. If there is nothing left the next morning I feed them again. Most people feed twice a day because ferrets have a very short digestive tract.
3. you can use a cat carrier, a feeding den or their cage. The feeding den can be something as elaborate at a remote den with a rubbermaid style bin or as simple as a soda 12 pack box in their cage.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2. the ferrets don't have to have a room to themselves. My guys ,there are 10 of them, live in the familyroom. The family room is ferret proofed and the children are not allowed to bring their own toys in there. I have an old wooden shelf that I slid into the family room doorway to keep them from roaming the entire house (the wooden shelf is big enough so they can't get out but I, in all of my vertically challenged glory, can still get in). The cats don't appreciate sharing their litter boxes and the dog are put outside when my crew are out to play (the dogs really want nothing to do with the fuzz nor do the cats...but Sh1tty kitty is put up in a bedroom because he has a high prey drive)
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Post by jadieglitch on Feb 8, 2011 19:20:04 GMT -5
Thank you! That's also very good information Another couple of questions: 1. Would it suffice that I purchase a very high quality ferret kibble, leaving it available to them 24/7, but supplement their diet once a day with one whole prey item (like a small rat or mouse) or a small raw food item? Something they can gnarl on and get over with in one sitting, you know? 2. I've heard that kibble gives them extra smelly body odor and stinky poos.. so even if it's a high-quality type of kibble and not ALL they eat, is this still true? 3. What high-quality kibble do you suggest?
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Post by Deleted on Feb 8, 2011 19:54:56 GMT -5
It is a little harder to make an entire house ferret-proof, but it's possible. There are a few people on the forum that do. Most people have a ferret-proofed area (with certain areas blocked off that would be dangerous, like the kitchen) and a large cage that they have access to (I keep the doors to the cage open so that they can go in (to eat, sleep, etc) whenever they want. When they are out, I still watch them just to make sure since they seem to constantly test the limits of ferret-proofing ;D I would definitely invest in a solid baby gate or two (since they can climb up or get through the holes in the typical ones : Oh, and as far as feeding dens, here's an example of how one person does it (I know there's another thread somewhere that has examples of the tuperware bin ones, but I can't seem to find it :3) holisticferret60.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=questions&thread=128 As far as kibble, you CAN feed kibble and supplement with raw/whole prey (I know of a few that do), but they will still be much healthier (and less stinky fur and poops!) on only raw and/or whole prey. If you must feed a kibble, EVO ferret kibble is the best one out there. Most people that feed kibble mix a few different ones together, but I don't know what else would be good as far as kibbles since I haven't fed kibble since mine were babies I would consider looking into freeze-dried and dehydrated raw foods which is dry and convenient like kibble, but MUCH better for them. My guys get a variety of freeze-dried and dehydrated raw: Ziwipeak venison, Stella & Chewy's (chicken, beef, duck, and lamb varieties), and Wysong Archetype-1. If you want, you could leave them access to freeze-dried/dehydrated raw during the day, then feed a fresh raw or whole prey meal at night. I do something similar. Even though freeze-dried and dehydrated raw foods are healthier for ferrets than kibble, I still think feeding frankenprey (whole raw foods) and whole prey are by far even healthier. They definitely have much cleaner teeth (mine have cleaner teeth than kibble fed ferrets, but they could be better if they ate whole raw foods), even less stinky poops, no crumbs (I HATE that about freeze-dried : , etc, etc, etc. Here's a list of freeze-dried and dehydrated raw foods if you're interested. holisticferret60.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=questions&action=display&thread=82Hope this helps
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Post by taratee on Feb 8, 2011 20:20:15 GMT -5
1. I've checked out pictures of ferrets eating raw meat and I've cringed seeing them drag raw chicken all over people's houses. No judgment, it just worries me that my ferret will be covering themselves and our things in salmonella and all other sorts of bad news. Is there a routine that ferret owners go through to clean up their ferret friends after they've eaten? I just can't imagine snuggling into my pet after they've covered themselves in slimy chicken meats.
my ferrets do not drag chicken around adn they dont cover themselves in it i have a roughneck tub that i feed them in and they are only allowed the food in the tub, if someone tries to remove whatever theyre eating i plug the hole with my foot, theyre less likely to climb out with the large hunk of meat, ferrets tend to clean themselves after eating if you feed them something raw you will see they like to wipe their mouths on the floor. this has not resulted in my room smelling like chicken or my ferrets smelling like chicken. mostly i dont let them drag it around because they might pick up something they cant digest off the floor and eat it off the food other people use several boxes placed in the room where the ferrets eat mine never took to that so i tend to just keep everything in the tub
2. How often do you feed? From what I've been able to gather, ferrets are fed once a day? Is that correct? I feed my cats twice a day so feeding the ferrets twice a day is what I had in mind as well, however I could be wrong as to what is correct.
i feed twice a day but food it always available, raw food lasts a long time out of the refrigerator something like 12 hours because of ferrets digestion i always make sure there is something available
3. I've seen people use a cat-carrier to feed their ferret in. They just lock them up until they're done and release them to play after they've finished. Is this the norm?
I wouldnt lock my kids in with food because they like to graze, ferrets eat raw much lik ethey eat kibble a little here a little there. if i locked my ferrets up with food theyd beg to be out instead of eat regardless of being hungry
4. Why did the other forum get shut down? We have been thinking about getting ferrets for a long time and I know holistic is the BEST way to go so I would research on the other forum every time I felt the need. Then a few days ago I tried to retrieve my user information so I could log in and post a question but the site couldn't recognize my credentials at all.. so after many failed attempts I got desperate and created a new one, only to find out I couldn't post, so I then finally stumbled around until I found out that there is a new forum. What happened?
the owner on the last forum became unavaliable to help the mods
as for new questions
1. So, for a feeding den, is this basically a tube that runs from their cage and is connected to a box/tub? I've seen people do this with their "poo" areas so that there is no litter box in their living space. I like this idea for both a litter area and a feeding den so that they have the most space possible in their living area; what do you think?
I dont feed period in their cage there are lots of designs for remote litter boxes and stuff im sure you could attach an eating area but if they want privacy theyre just going to drag it to where they want to eat
2. I'm assuming you have a room designated for your ferrets (which I think is the best option), but what if my place isn't big enough for them to have their own room that they can play in all day by themselves? I planned on having a large cage for sleeping, etc, and then (after ferret-proofing the house) allowing them to hang out with me during the day or whenever I'm home so they can get adequate exercise. We have a one-level, two bedroom house we're renting that is adequate, but small and with no extra room. Is it a bad idea to get ferrets (we're only wanting two) in our living situation, considering the fact that we can't give them their own room?
I dont have a room for my guys my guys are just in my bedroom with me, I like to put jingle bells on them so i know where they are in the room without having to look and the only wires that are down for them to get into are usually under my feet. during the day or whenever i have time to play i bring them out into the bedroom and shut the door. it doesnt have to be completely ferret proofed if you pay close attention to everyone but usually people dont have the attention span to do so, and i dont blame them because ferrets can be EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE i have my brats out in shifts so that i on ly have to pay attention to two at the most
3. Closing the cage so they don't drag food around while having the ferrets with me during the day would eliminate their ability to "free-range" because they couldn't get back into their cages when they wanted.... any tips on this? Or maybe I misunderstood... Do I just keep an eye on them and when they're wanting back in, open the door?
id try the roughneck tub, it works pretty well for me. it takes sometime to get used to for the babys but once theyre used to it it works just fine, every now an dthen i have a rougue chicken wing but its only when competition for food is really high.
it took me and my boyfriend about a month to get over the: ohhh THAT needs to be moved up higher but now ive got a pretty ferret proofed room and a pretty good feeding schedule
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Post by jadieglitch on Feb 9, 2011 18:53:02 GMT -5
(I put my questions in bold since they're pretty much just mixed into my ramblings) @ferretdroogies: Thanks for the links! I really like the cardboard box idea that was in one of the links. That's smart. I guess I shouldn't be so freaked out by raw meat everywhere; if I take the correct precautions it shouldn't be much of an issue. Today I bought some meats (beef, a whole chicken, beef liver, and a package of chicken hearts/gizzards) and made a bunch of baggies of frankenprey for my cats. They have already been exposed to lots of different types of food (live prey included since I breed my own rats for them to eat) so they should be able to shift over to the frankenprey soon. I'm going to feed kibble for breakfast and frankenprey for dinner until the kibble is gone and go exclusively to live prey and frankenprey. This should get me into the swing of things for when we're ready to get some ferrets . As for the freeze-dried food, I'll look into that. As I recall, it's very expensive, but I'll definitely check. I think a couple of baby gates are definitely a must like you've said, or maybe just one. I can keep the bedroom and the bathroom door shut, baby gate off the kitchen, and ferret proof our living room and tv room for them to play in. I'm excited! This really might work out . There is a posting on craigslist in our area for a 2-story Fiesty Ferret Cage + extras for $90. Is that a good deal? She says it's in excellent condition... @taratee: I googled what a roughneck tub was and that seems like an option, although I'm leaning towards either Sterilite containers (just because I already have some) or cardboard (because it's disposable). We'll see though; I'll have to check out the roughnecks in person and see how I can make it work . Also, jingle bells are a GREAT idea! I have them on my cats and love that I know where they are, or if I call them from outside I get to hear "jingle jingle jingle jingle jingle" all the way back up to the house. It's so cute! Do they make ferret collars? Their little heads seem like they'd slip right out of a collar...
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Post by Deleted on Feb 9, 2011 19:02:24 GMT -5
Just watch out when closing doors and using them as barriers, I have a few taht will actually squeeze and slide under the door to gain access!
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Post by Deleted on Feb 9, 2011 19:29:28 GMT -5
Just watch out when closing doors and using them as barriers, I have a few taht will actually squeeze and slide under the door to gain access! YES. ;D It's hard to stop the constant flow of ferrets when opening doors AND some doors have enough space underneath them for ferrets to squeeze under as Rarnold18 said ;D The rule of thumb is that ferrets can basically fit through anything that their heads can fit through (with some exceptions ). Yes, they do make ferret collars Here's a link to the typical ferret collar: www.ferret.com/item/marshall-ferret-bell-collar/650690/The thing I worry about with collars is that they have a potential of getting caught on something, but at the same time, it can help you find them because you'll hear the bell. If you put them on when they are out (and make sure there isn't anything they can get it caught on) and take them off when they are in the cage...I think that would work pretty well, but that's just me. I think I would go crazy if I heard bells jingling all night ;D Also, I would suggest maybe reading "Ferrets for Dummies" 2nd edition and/or "Ferrets" (Animal Planet) by Vickie Mckimmey. They are both GREAT books about all things ferret, and will be especially helpful with the ferret-proofing part
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Post by Sherry on Feb 9, 2011 20:37:54 GMT -5
Hi, and welcome Since the others have given you some really good info to get you started, I'll just go into collars, gates, doors, etc. Although that bell was SO handy for knowing where they were, I finally gave up on them after replace 8 collars for(at that time), 3 ferrets They kept slipping and stashing them(I've still not found all of them after 2 years!) ;D Gates- I've got one where I have to add an additional height using plywood c-clamped on, since he can scale the baby gate(solid, clear), in about 30 seconds. For doors, if you have carpet- invest in some heavy duty carpet protectors! For some unknown reason, ferrets ALWAYS have to dig to China to find out what's on the other side of said door . It's saved what's left of my carpets
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Post by dookdook on Feb 10, 2011 21:14:19 GMT -5
The "fiesty ferret cage" is a cheaper version of the ferret nation, it isn't AS good but 90$ is a GOOD price! I'd go check it out if I were you!!!!
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Post by Sherry on Feb 10, 2011 22:41:07 GMT -5
Problem with the Feisty Ferret cage is the doors. They are really small.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 10, 2011 23:02:34 GMT -5
That is the best part about the FN - HUGE doors!
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Post by taratee on Feb 10, 2011 23:34:54 GMT -5
I use kitten collars on my guys and every now and then they slip out of them but other then that i believe ichabod likes wearing his if i have it in my hand h e will slip his head in it so i suppose its up tto the ferret? i know they can get hung places and thats very scary but theres nothing for them to get hung on where i have my guys out on. Sterilite containers are clear arent they? i try to make it dark for my guys to make it comfortable because i have some hesitant eaters who would rather eat under the bed... after soup and finding soup on the floor i had to change things up. i mean its not the easiest but i dotn have ferrets who run off with raw chicken anymore. im sure a cardboard box would work too but you might go through a buttload of them... i use the roughneck because its dark and i can clean it with soap and water or vinegar and put it back out, with cardboard boxes (being paranoid like i am) id be worried about what was shipped in it and the factory and such maybe something leaked in the box? i only think about that because i worked in a store and the boxes were kinda nasty, they all had this film on them. as for a gate marie trickytrixie.tripod.com/ferretroom/ferretroom.htmher gate is the shiz just sayin
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