Message Number: SG9285 | New FHL Archives Search
From: "Inge Kokidko"
Date: 2004-06-25 11:54:51 UTC
Subject: Re: [ferrethealth] dog food only diet
To: <ferrethealth@smartgroups.com>
Message-ID: <002b01c45aab$39a8fca0$4a4dfea9@ingekokidko>

When my ferrets were sick, I was told that chicken baby food would be easy
for them to digest; the problem is they didn't want to eat it!!! As
unpleasant as it is, try to force-feed your ferrets some food, it worked for
me. I would open Bother's mouth by pressing just gently enough onto the
corners of her jaw to force her mouth open. Then I would wipe a small
amount of food, using my pinkey finger, on the roof of her mouth. This
helped to keep her from choking on the food. She would eat it reluctantly
at first, but now, she gobbles it up and loves it! She just needed to get
used to it, and now she thinks it is a treat. :)

It takes a lot of patience to feed a ferret who is unwilling to eat what you
want to give it, but I think it is crucial in this case. If I were you, I
would make a "duck soup," and use some kibble in the soup that I thought was
pretty healthy. Then, slowly thicken the soup over a course of weeks/days
with more and more kibble until the ferret is willing to eat the kibble.

I'm not an expert, but this is the best advice I can give! Hope it helps,
and good luck.