Eschimpf's Switching Thread/Luci

[Sherry]

Name:Erin

HF Forum Username: eschimpf

1. Where did you first learn about natural diets for ferrets?
Here on this forum, I googled Ferret Forums and checked this one out first, so far its the only one I choose to register to.

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'm interested in doing a raw/ frozen-thawed whole prey full time. My mom has a few African soft furred rats her snakes wont eat so that will start me off, I've found a seller in my area for feeder rats and mice for the whole prey. I buy mostly pork and chicken as it is so thats not a problem. I also get lots of bison, deer and moose, but I don't know if that is good to feed.

UPDATE: I have started feeding him duck soup, so far all is going well you can read more on it here:
holisticferret.proboards.com/inde....lay&thread=6115

3. Why are you interested in switching your ferrets to a natural diet?
I used to have a dog that I fed raw to, he lives with my mom now because he had issues with small children, which we didn't know at the time we got him from his old owners, when I called them about it their number was disconnected. I want whats better for Mr. Bean, hence why I am switching

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 switching your ferret(s) to a natural diet, but you need to be equally as committed. 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, I am.

5. How many ferrets do you currently have? What are their names? Ages? Genders? Do they have any health problems? Are they overweight? Underweight?
I have one, Mr. Bean (yes we decided on that), Male neutered, he is deaf. They told me 2 years old but I think he might be younger. His weight is 2lbs 11oz (weighted him tonight, I have a scale for my guinea pigs its digital I LOVE it)

6. What diet do you currently feed your ferrets? (Please include all treats, supplements, etc)
I just got him yesterday, as far as I know he has had a free flow diet of living world ferret food. I bought Blue Buffalo cat food (its the best they had at Pet Smart last night I can get the link with information if you need it). There was no supplements given to me so I don't think he was on any, and he came with chicken flavored chew sticks which he really seems to like.

UPDATE: He is now getting duck soup, kibble only at night. Still gets half a chew stick every few days.

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?
I am a mum of three human kids (5 years, 3 years and 4 months) I also have 7 guinea pigs (You can read more on them at my blog here: The Schimpf Pigs Blog)
As for information on Mr. Bean, he's to new to the family to add anything more. Hes sweet and very lovable.

9. How often during the week do you have access to a computer?
Daily unless I need to go away to my parents for a holiday or weekend, and if I do I will let my mentor know well before hand.

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 (Luci) 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

[Sherry]

Link to old thread:
holisticferret.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=newbie&action=display&thread=6128

[katt]

luci:
Yeah. Mr. Bean has no competition, so he's in no rush to eat. He just puts it somewhere "safe" until he's good and ready.

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eschimpf:
LOL silly beanie!

I weighed in today he is down 2oz should I be worried, he is eating about 3oz a day now. Sometimes more.

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Luci:
If his activity level is good and his waste output is fine, I wouldn't worry about it. Once they go raw they kind of lean out a bit before they start packing on the muscle. I'm sure he's getting more exercise now than he did while on kibble and his body is going to take a bit to even out.

If it seems like things are moving through his system too quickly, adding some pumpkin to his soups will help slow things down so he can absorb more nutrients.

Oh. And he may just like his meats aged a bit. Do you warm his meat before offering it or is it straight out of the fridge? He may like it room temp. You can warm it by putting it in a small bowl and then putting that bowl in a larger bowl of warm-hot water.


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eschimpf:
hmm I'll try that. I usually let it sit for 30 mins out of the fridge before giving it to him but I'll try warming it a little and see if he likes it that way.

Here is a photos of whats in his bowl these days:



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luci:
That looks great! If he's happy with that we should be able to increase the size of the chunks pretty easily. Maybe start by having one bigger chunk in with the rest and see if he eats it or leaves it.