KrysKritters Switching Thread/Sunnyberra

[Heather]

Name: Krys
HF Forum Username: KrysKritters

1. Where did you first learn about natural diets for ferrets? Originally researched raw diet for dogs and then came across random articles for ferrets in google searchers.

2. Please describe the type of diet you would like assistance in switching your ferret(s) to. Be sure to include if you are interested in feeding whole prey (live or frozen-thawed) and if you are wanting to FULLY switch to a natural diet or PARTIALLY. If you are unsure what kind of diet you want to put your ferrets on, please express that and we can help you find the best type of natural diet for your ferret.
I would like to introduce the raw diet. I think that am going to work towards partially changing him and see how well he takes to it. Then possibly reevaluate then to decide if I want to fully switch. My ferret is an old boy so I am concerned about fully switching... I think this is hard to decide before starting...

3. Why are you interested in switching your ferrets to a natural diet? I would love to decrease his smell and I'd like to put some extra weight on him. I've been very lucky to have a ferret for 8 years with no health issues... ((knock on wood)) aside from him being a bit underweight.

4. Do you understand that switching your ferret to a natural diet can be a lengthy, arduous process? Its not an overnight switch. It can be a commitment of several weeks or even months. Your HF Mentor will be more then happy to assist you in switchng your ferret(s) to a natural diet, but you need to be equally as commited. If you aren't willing to tough out a potentially lengthy switching process, or if you have major life changes approaching (baby on the way, moving, starting school, getting married/divorced, etc) then it might be a better idea to wait on switching your ferret's diet until you have more time. Are you willing to make the commitment? yes

5. How many ferrets do you currently have? Only one
What are their names? Rafiki
Ages? Approx 8 year old
Genders? male
Do they have any health problems? no
Are they overweight? no
Underweight? yes
How long have you had each ferret for? Approx 7 1/2 - 8 years... basically since he was a kit. He has lived his whole life with me. He is a Marshall's ferret I purchased from Petco.

6. What diet do you currently feed your ferrets? (Please include all treats, supplements, etc) Marshalls & ferretvite (as a treat to distract when cutting nails)

7. Have you ever tried to switch your ferrets to a natural diet in the past? If yes, what happened? no

8. What additional information about yourself or your ferrets would you like to share? My ferret is deaf and probabley part albino. He has dark ruby eyes... not sure what else would be relevant... but feel free to ask.

9. How often during the week do you have access to a computer? usually daily

10. Please post a picture of each of your ferrets (if possible).


Hi and welcome to the mentoring program. In a little while your mentor (Sunnyberra) will introduce herself and you can get started on a new adventure in natural ferret care and diets. Please remember to post regularly (daily or as per arranged with your mentor) so that your mentor can assist you move along safely in this adventure. If you experience computer difficulties or are going to be away, please notify your mentor and most of all relax and have fun . Your mentor is here to help you on this journey.
ciao

[Deleted]

Hi, Krys! Your little guy sounds like such a sweet ol' man, and I really look forward to helping you introduce some new foods into his diet.

Ferrets are really stubborn critters, especially about food, and that stubbornness doesn't really decrease with age, so we should have some fun with this guy. Don't worry, with patience and a lot of soupies, we'll get him where you want him to be!

Because of his age, we don't ever want to fast him for longer than 4 hours. To begin, we should start with a basic soup:

8oz chicken meat
1-2 chicken hearts
1 liver
1/4 tsp powdered eggshell
Enough water, or homemade chicken broth(straight chicken, no spices, veg, etc) to make a soupy texture
Puree all of the above together, freeze in ice cube trays, baggie cubes after frozen

Pick up his kibble an hour or so before putting the soup down. Try to play or engage him, too, anything to work up an appetite. Let him, right now, just explore it. If some time goes by and he doesn't seem that interested, you can dab some on his mouth or paw (whichever he is likely to lick clean) to get him to taste.

As for the humdrum "business" side of the switch. I prefer frequent checkins, daily or every other day, but I completely understand when that's not possible. Things happen If it's going to be an extended absence (week or what not), just let me know either in this thread or in a pm, whatever suits. I also like weekly health logs - weight, energy, temperament, poos, food consumption. And anything else that you might want to bring up. That part's easier to forget, so if it slips your mind, I'll just through a reminder out, no worries

[Deleted]

^bump

Just a friendly reminder that your thread is up and running