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Post by catznfertz on Aug 8, 2012 18:00:58 GMT -5
Every time I go to the vet, I see the body condition chart for dogs and cats where it has the diagram of what an obese animal looks like, an underweight or emaciated one, and what weight is just right. Does anyone have a chart like that for ferrets? Out of four ferrets, I have Franklin who is positively pudgy (likes Momma's cookin'!) and one little girl Lucy who is so teeny I wonder if I'm feeding her enough. Chuck looks just perfect to me, a lean mean weasel machine, and Peppermint Patty I think is a good weight but sort of pear shaped. It seems like ferrets come in all shapes and sizes, and it's hard to know what's normal, especially when they suddenly lose a bunch of weight for the summer.
Anyone seen a chart like this for ferrets?
Amanda, 7 Kitties and the Peanuts Gang
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Post by Deleted on Aug 8, 2012 18:03:02 GMT -5
I've never seen this, but I love this idea. It could even have separate sections for summer and winter (as they are dramatically different). Collecting appropriate pictures would be the only challenge, but I'd be happy to put something together.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 8, 2012 18:04:31 GMT -5
I have not seen this type of chart either! Great idea, hope someone comes out with one
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Post by Sherry on Aug 8, 2012 18:46:38 GMT -5
There would have to be two separate charts. Most kibble fed ferrets wind up pear shaped by the time they are about 3 years old. All of ours lost that shape when they developed the muscular tone a raw fed ferret normally has.
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Post by Heather on Aug 8, 2012 18:59:19 GMT -5
Intact ferrets are different too. ciao
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Post by Sherry on Aug 8, 2012 19:31:12 GMT -5
There is that ;D
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Post by catznfertz on Aug 8, 2012 19:51:13 GMT -5
Even if someone could just whip out some simple line drawings, it would be really helpful. Probably even more so than actual photos, since there's differences in fur types and colors (black is so slimming!). ;-) I am unfortunately not qualified to do anything that artistic, so I'll have to rely on the talents and generosity of the group.
It is amazing how diet affects the shape of a ferret. The two younger ones were switched as young kits to whole raw and whole prey, and they are lean and mean. The oldest one, Patty was switched from kibble at about 2-3 years old onto raw soup, and Frank was switched as a kit onto the same stuff. I have never been able to get either of them to try anything at all that might require chewing. The latter two are noticeably "softer" than the young ones, more so than age would account for.
Amanda, 7 Kitties and the Peanuts Gang
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Post by Deleted on Aug 8, 2012 21:39:39 GMT -5
Here's an example of a fine specimen in peak condition: Untitled by walkerstop, on Flickr Note the lithe, agile frame, coiled like a spring, ready to pounce on any prey! Note the naturally defensive posture, ready to fend off any attack, even while sleeping. Ah yes, quite a specimen, an athletic marvel.
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Post by Sherry on Aug 8, 2012 22:02:40 GMT -5
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Post by Deleted on Aug 8, 2012 22:05:48 GMT -5
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Post by bitbyter on Aug 8, 2012 22:31:50 GMT -5
The only thing that picture is missing is a few empty beers! ;D
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Post by Deleted on Aug 8, 2012 22:41:17 GMT -5
There I fixed it
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Post by Heather on Aug 8, 2012 23:06:19 GMT -5
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Post by Deleted on Aug 9, 2012 0:13:45 GMT -5
Poor Finn, he is very jealous of Bacchus, Finny doesn't get any action So he has to drown his troubles in booze. P.S. I think we officially hijacked this thread, sorry about that
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Post by Deleted on Aug 9, 2012 0:25:29 GMT -5
I just love Finn. Oh my gosh he's so handsome. To slow the hijack.. I agree that a chart would be good. However. I disagree that all kibble ferts are pear shaped. Bode is not and is almost 2. He is lean and well muscled. I attribute that to exercise and high quality kibbles (he was pretty round when he got here). Thatcher is loosing his pear-belly as well. The more they move around and get to be ferrets the happier they will be.
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