From:
nancyjp2001@yahoo.com
Date: 2005-08-06 03:42:43 UTC
Subject: Raw Meat Question
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <7432726.1123299763994.JavaMail.root@thallium.smartgroups.com>
I'm sure this question has been covered before, but I'm so far behind on reading this list. So please accept my apologies in advance if this topic has already been covered.
There has been a lot of talk as of late in regards to feeding ferrets raw meat...some doing so exclusively, while others feed it in conjunction with their regular kibble. It's been said it's better than feeding just straight kibble, but I'm not 100% convinced.
What are the risks of feeding raw meat? What about raw eggs? Can ferrets get salmonella or campylobacter from the consumption of raw meat? Is it possible for them to actually get these diseases from eating raw meat, and perse' not show outward symptoms? Wouldn't a ferret's diet be lacking in *something* if all they were eating was raw meat? Would it have any adverse effects on their health besides the obvious concern of the diseases above?
I understand ferrets have a different makeup than humans, but they are similar in many ways. And I know humans can get quite ill from consuming raw meat and eggs.
And just to make it clear, I'm talking strictly about raw meat (poultry, beef, etc), not mice or chicks.