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Post by Deleted on Apr 14, 2012 16:41:35 GMT -5
I'm wondering if I should use a bowl for each ferret if I feed raw. That way I could keep better track of who eats what and prevent squabbles over choice pieces.
Also I'm looking at the section on raw feeding in Ferrets for Dummies and it mentions feeding outside of the cage...would it be okay to do raw feeding in the bathtub? Pretty much everywhere else has carpeting and the tub would make for a super easy cleanup afterwards.
I'd probably do cage/bowl feeding in the morning before work and the tub feeding would be after work when I have time to keep an eye on my furbabies.
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Post by Sherry on Apr 14, 2012 16:46:44 GMT -5
I'm wondering if I should use a bowl for each ferret if I feed raw. You can, but doubtful it would work ;D and prevent squabbles over choice pieces. Not going to happen! Besides- the food fights are hilarious to watch. It also gives them an incentive to eat. Stopping the other from stealing it! I can toss in 6 or 7 food items for 3-4 ferrets, and guaranteed- they are ALL going to decide ONE piece absolutely has to be the best bit in there ;D And I've always cage fed. Helps keep stashing down. |
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Post by Deleted on Apr 14, 2012 16:50:43 GMT -5
Okay, thanks! I am kind of excited about raw feeding, I feel like a weirdo.
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Post by Sherry on Apr 14, 2012 16:51:22 GMT -5
Hey- we ALL understand where you are coming from ;D
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Post by Deleted on Apr 14, 2012 16:51:31 GMT -5
Mine all share a bowl (or not share ;D ) I also feed in cage. I use vinegar/water to clean it up  |
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Post by Deleted on Apr 14, 2012 16:53:57 GMT -5
I always have food available, feeding enough at each meal to last through to the next. When he's out playing I leave the hutch open so he can go back in and eat whenever he likes. Placing bowls under cover in the cage to create a feeding den helps lessen stashing, but I do have to listen out for that happy stashy "I'm doing something naughty" hiss and be ready to grab a fleeing ferret once in a while as he heads behind the sofa with dinner  |
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Post by Deleted on Apr 14, 2012 18:13:04 GMT -5
I started out the same way. I had two bowls for each ferret ('cause I was lazy, and while washing one, I still had another to use ... ) . Yeah, I finally gave that up, and each business has one BIG ceramic bowl that I put all their food into, and they just have a free for all (like they do anyway, hahahaha. The grass is ALWAYS greener when you're a ferret, obvs.). I also use a vinegar and water solution. My guys went through a weird phase where all they wanted to do was drink it  , but thankfully that didn't last TOO long |
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Post by Deleted on Apr 14, 2012 18:24:28 GMT -5
I will make a note of the feeding den idea. I was looking at Walmart today and they have packages of 'Chicken Gizzards and Hearts (Mostly Gizzards)'. I'm wondering if that would fill their organ needs? I know they need other varieties of meats but would they need pork and beef hearts and such too?
If someone could direct me to some kind of chart or list of what meats, organs, bones, etc they need specifically I would love it. I like to have everything in a neat line.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 14, 2012 18:27:10 GMT -5
I use little condiment dishes to feed them in. So one bowl each. Each bowl is a forfeit size for the NV medallions. They still fight over who gets what though even though it's the same.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 14, 2012 18:58:17 GMT -5
Organs - Ferrets need 10% of their diet to consist of organ meat. Organ meats include liver, brain, spleen, kidney, reproductive organs, thymus, etc. One meal a week should be only organs. 50% liver, 50% other. If only liver is available, 10% should be liver.
Heart - ferrets need heart for taurine. You should feed 1-2 meals of ONLY heart a week.
Bones - ferrets need 8-9 meals of bone a week. Edible bones include: mice, quail, chicken, cornish game hen, rabbit, other small fowl and prey, turkey necks (usually need to be smashed).
Muscle meat - the other meals should be plain muscle meats. This can be ANY meat that is not altered, smoked, seasoned, etc. Gizzards fall in this category. Common meats are pork, beef, turkey, chicken.
Sample menu:
Mon: AM Bone in
Mon: PM Muscle meat
Tues: AM Bone in
Tues: PM Heart meat
Wed: AM Bone in
Wed: PM Bone in
Thurs: AM Bone in
Thurs: PM Muscle meat
Fri: AM Bone in
Fri: PM Heart meat
Sat: AM Bone in
Sat: PM Organ meal (50% liver, 50% other organs)
Sun: AM Bone in
Sun: PM Bone in
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Post by Heather on Apr 14, 2012 19:04:12 GMT -5
I will make a note of the feeding den idea. I was looking at Walmart today and they have packages of 'Chicken Gizzards and Hearts (Mostly Gizzards)'. I'm wondering if that would fill their organ needs? I know they need other varieties of meats but would they need pork and beef hearts and such too? If someone could direct me to some kind of chart or list of what meats, organs, bones, etc they need specifically I would love it. I like to have everything in a neat line. Heart is a muscle meat....for organ meats you need to feed liver, kidneys, brain, tongue... Gizzards are great to start a food fight with though ;D at least with my crew ciao |
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Post by Deleted on Apr 14, 2012 19:04:43 GMT -5
Saving that post to my 'ferret stuff' file on my computer. Thanks!
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