From:
angela@ort.org
Date: 2002-08-30 14:30:14 UTC
Subject: RE: Bob C: Ferret Caretaker Quiz
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <24386692.1030717814639.JavaMail.root@scandium>
> 3. Ferrets should be fed a) a combination of dry, extruded foods, cooked poultry, wet kitten food, and meaty broths,>
> 12. Ferrets are a) obligate, primary carnivores with a digestive system evolved to eat animals,
Well, Bob, me thinks you contradict yourself here. I would answer this that ferrets should be fed whole RAW animal carcass including skin, feathers, bones and internal organs, perhaps supplemented by dry extruded foods, BECAUSE they are obligate carnivores. How many ferrets have you seen around a camp fire stewing up rabbit or chicken - cooking food is unnatural and unnecessary. I know you may state that cooking would kill off any bacteria that might be present, but here in the UK I don't know of any problems of feeding fresh raw meat - our ferrets are very healthy out here. We also have less wear and tartar problems with our ferrets teeth - but probably will see an increase with the increasing reliance on dry complete foods.
> 22. Ferrets are a) asocial domesticated polecats that generally tolerate socializing with litter-sized groups of ferrets because of behavioral neotony,
Que?
Angela