>On Natural Ferrets, each new member is taken on as a complete new
>individual They describe their ferrets and if they have any health
>issues.  A method is then suggested to them, and feed-back is encouraged
>every step of the way We support the ferret owner and ferrets as the
>change of diet takes place.
 
Can you please elaborate?  For example, do you request a copy of recent
blood evaluations to ensure the ferret is truly in good health?  Or are
you working with the "honor system"?  How would you respond to the
following:
 
My ferret hasn't eaten anything in six hours, what do I do?
 
My ferret hasn't eaten anything in twelve hours, keeps going back and
forth to where the kibble bowl was, is restless, what do I do?
 
My ferret hasn't eaten anything in 18 hours, is looking depressed, going
back and forth to where the kibble bowl was, much less active, stools are
looking a bit dark and tarry - what do I do?
 
My ferret hasn't eaten anything in 24 hours, is sleeping most of the
time, going to where the kibble bowl was, stools are runny, what do I do?
 
My ferret is having a seizure - somebody help, my vet is closed and there
are no emergency clinics around!!  WHAT DO I DO???
 
>Nevertheless, 48 hours without food is not generally advised.
 
Generally?  Are there exceptions?  What does your group deem a "safe"
period of time?
 
>Not necessarily.  Sometimes it is more humane to get it over with
>quickly.  Monitoring is always advised.
 
ATTENTION SHELTER OPERATORS!!!  Can you please share with us, your
laborious and heartbreaking trials when it comes to new surrenders and
not knowing what kibble they were previously fed?  Thanks!
 
>There has never been a case of a ferret that has changed to a natural
>diet suffering sickness or ulcers.
 
Can you please provide documentation to back this up?  Has an actual
study been done?  Has ANYONE been following every single ferret on this
planet that has been switched from a kibble-based diet to natural?  I
really hope you have evidence to support this statement.  It's as strong
as my post.
 
>Doesn't work with ferrets.  They have to be hungry to attempt to eat
>another type of food
 
ATTENTION SHELTER OPERATORS!!  Can you please share with us your horror
stories about rescues that have practically starved themselves to death
because they didn't like/want the kibble presented to them?
 
>Clear instructions are always given.  In fact, other methods of changing
>diet are offered if the first effort fails.
 
Please elaborate on what these other methods are?  I'm sure we could all
learn a few things.....
[Posted in FML issue 5205]