Message Number: SG11896 | New FHL Archives Search
From: "katharine"
Date: 2004-12-19 12:28:05 UTC
Subject: Re: senior ferret question
To: "Ferret Health List" <ferrethealth@smartgroups.com>
Message-ID: <00a201c4e5c6$316870b0$29102cc7@D1CW2811>

Here's a recipe I use for elderly or sickly ferrets. It is pretty bland an=
d packed with calories. For those who are very compromised, I feed about 4=
0ml, 3 times a day. I weigh every few days and decrease the force feedings=
as they gain weight. I use 2-20ml syringes per feeding and warm them in a=
cup of hot water. Feed slowly from the side of the mouth while scruffing,=
and only squirt in a small amount at the time so you won't choke them. Re=
move the syringe between each squirt so they can swallow easily. You may h=
ave to start by feeding from your finger, but I have never had a ferret who=
didn't absolutely love this recipe.

3 melted ice cubes of Pedialyte (I freeze in ice cube trays and use as need=
ed) =

1 can A/D
1 (or 2) jars meat baby food (I use veal or lamb)
1ml Pet Tinic
1t Ferretone
2t Dyne

Mix with a little hand mixer. This should be used over about 2-3 days, so =
I just make this small amount each time. It only takes about 5 minutes to =
make.

I had a sample bag of Oxbow's Carnivore Care and was adding a couple of tab=
lespoons of that to it. I think CC would be an excellent addition for exc=
lusively feeding this recipe over the long-term.

(I have a totally separate recipe for supplemental feedings for those who j=
ust need a little extra boost.)

Katharine
http://community.webshots.com/user/katharine524