From:
Caitlyn Martin
Date: 2003-09-07 17:05:11 UTC
Subject: Re: [ferrethealth] underweight adoptee: seeking advice
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Cc: cobrist@cox.net
Message-Id: <20030907130511.7a8585fc.whiteweasel@earthlink.net>
On Sun, 7 Sep 2003 01:04:50 -0400
"Cynthia Obrist" <cobrist@cox.net> wrote:
> She fed them cat
> food; [SNIP] The two fuzzies are a
> little over a year old and are definitely underweight for their size.
>
> Anyway, back to my main point: I'm looking for tips for putting weight
> on these boys. I regularly make "Church's chicken gravy" so have
> plenty of that on hand. So far, the new boys have just sniffed at the
> gravy. But, then, they just got here. I also use Totally Ferret.
I've done a number of rescues with situations similar to what you
describe. You are definitely on the right track. The Bob Church's
Chicken Gravy is definitely going to help if you can get them to eat it.
Stick their noses in it (literally) so they have to lick it off to get
clean. They may find that the gravy really is to their liking and start
eating it.
If they are already accepting the Totally Ferret, well... great. If
not, mix it with their old cat food and gradually subtract out the cat
stuff. That way there is less chance of stomach upset and they will
gradually accept the Totally Ferret.
You can also give them some Ferretvite or Nutrical as a treat. It's
mostly empty calories, but it will put weight on them and add needed
vitamins to their diet.
In several cases our vet decided that the ferts we rescued needed
nothing more than ear mite meds, vaccinations, and "groceries", with an
emphasis on "groceries"--meaning a decent diet. I hope that's the case
with your two.
All the best,
Caity and the non-stop nine