Post by Heather on Feb 17, 2012 23:18:27 GMT -5
HF Forum Username racheldaniels
1. Where did you first learn about natural diets for ferrets?
We've been aware of the diet since first getting our ferrets from private breeders. Our kits weren't started on whole prey, but the breeders were switching and recommended it to us.
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 not certain how well Tuckerman will accept this diet. I'd go as far as frozen-thawed prey, but it's up to him.
3. Why are you interested in switching your ferrets to a natural diet?
Health reasons and to become better educated and prepared for future ferrets.
[/b]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?[/b]
Totally committed. Accept that nothing is easy with ferrets...
5. How many ferrets do you currently have? What are their names? Ages? Genders? Do they have any health problems? Are they overweight? Underweight? How long have you had each ferret for?
Only one ferret remaining. He's 6 tomorrow, purchased as a kit from a private breeder. Tuckerman was a late alter who was diagnosed with adrenal disease in October 2011 and received a deslorelin implant then. This weekend he was diagnosed with insulinoma. I'm waiting now for the meds to arrive. He's approximately 3lbs currently.
6. What diet do you currently feed your ferrets? (Please include all treats, supplements, etc)
free choice grain-free - usually a mixture with Innova evo as the base along with something like blue buffalo or zupreme grain-free.
free choice chicken gravy - whole ground chicken (bones and organs) cooked with additional fat and eggshells. Fiber and vitamin supplements mixed in along with oil (olive oil, ferretone) and a touch of honey. This is the Bob Church chicken gravy without additional kibble. Our other ferret, lost in January, thrived on this diet. Tuckerman is steadfast in believing that he is a vampire and only wants to suck the liquid from the top of the gravy and eats kibble primarily.
7. Have you ever tried to switch your ferrets to a natural diet in the past? If yes, what happened?
nothing terribly determined since he failed to see this thing as food (whole wings)
8. What additional information about yourself or your ferrets would you like to share?
9. How often during the week do you have access to a computer?
all week, every day...
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 (Mustelidmusk, Jennifer) 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