skinning whole prey?

[Deleted]

Okay, guys. My ferrets have been doing GREAT with their transition to a predominantly whole prey diet (only one day a week is not).

There's only one problem. When I introduced guinea pigs, they didn't have an issue with it. At the time, they were short haired guinea pigs, so the fur wasn't that irritating. These last few have been quite long haired, though, and my guys (after choking on the hair) refuse to eat them. So I need to learn how to skin them, and I don't KNOW how, so is there any links/videos, tips that can help (and can I do this with a frozen gp/minimally thawed gp, as that would be a whole lot less mess AND traumatizing)? I checked the forum over, and didn't see anything, though I'm SURE this has been talked about before.

Thanks, guys

[Deleted]

I now nothing about skinning, but you may want to try slitting open the belly and exposing the flesh and organs - hee skin and fur may be left uneaten, but most of the animal will be consumed assuming the ferrets are hungry.

-jennifer

[Sherry]

Most leave the fur behind. If it's anything like skinning a rabbit, remove the head and paws, make a cut down the front and back, and pull the skin downwards off the legs.

[Deleted]

Thanks, Jennifer! I'll that and see how they react.

Though actually skinning it doesn't sound so bad, from what you've said, Sherry, so that's a relief

[Sherry]

Remember- skinning a rabbit is referred to as "degloving" because it peels back fairly easily. No idea about a gp.

[Deleted]

Oh. Well, I guess we're going to be seeing if that holds true for gps as well.

Joy.

[Deleted]

Haha what about shaving the guinea pig? ;D

[Deleted]

I kid you not, that was my first thought. I just didn't want to ask about it

[Sherry]

Actually- I bet it would work, and be a LOT easier than skinning. Although I'd try Jennifer's suggestion first.

[Heather]

I've got some home grown bunnies with the most gorgeous coats on the planet....the guys won't even look at them. I've been skinning So I certainly understand your frustrations. Once you start peeling it's relatively easy especially with those nasty little knives that Katt has.
ciao