Want to switch to raw but not sure how to start

[tpallotta0107]

I have 3 ferrets, 2 are 9 months and the other is suppose to be 8 months old. I have been researching the whole prey or raw diets for ferrets for quite a while and having seen the health benefits this diet had on my dogs feel that it is best for them as well. I have signed up for the mentoring program and am eagerly awaiting a mentor.

The problem is that I recently had to move back in with my parents and grandma and they can not stand the odor of my babies. While I want to switch for health benefits if the diet can help reduce the odor of the poop, which I have read is an added bonus, I can not get started soon enough. I understand that this is not a quick process and can take time and that is why I want to get started as soon as possible. So time for my questions.

How does one begin switching their ferrets over to a raw diet? Although my kids are under a year old they are Marshall ferrets and have been feed Marshall kibble their whole lives.

Thank you and I can't wait to get started on this healthier life style for 3 VIF (verry important ferrets)

[Heather]

Hang in there, fingers are working ;D
ciao

[corrij]

I'm sure you'll get a mentor soon. Ours has been a big help to switching ours.

We got lucky with our boys I tossed a wing in and they went right for it. Ours were younger then yours though so that might make a difference.

Our girl, Babydoll, was more of a pain. We started by taking away her kibble a few hours before we tried giving her raw. We started with blended up chicken breast (a chicken breast blended with water and a little evoo) when she was out playing with the boys every so often I'd grab and scruff her and then when she yawned I'd put a dab of the mush on her tongue. I found if I put it on her nose she'd wipe it off on the carpet or on me.

Afterward we'd leave a small bowl of the chicken (one or two tablespoons) in her cage for a few hours. But we'd put the kibble back in overnight.

Another good idea would be to read some other switching threads. Those were a big help to me.

Good luck switching your babies.