I received a lot of e-mails re: The Easy Method of preparing Bob's Chicken Gravy; mostly from people who are confused (as I used to be) on where to find the original recipe, what the difference is between all the recipes that people post, and what they are all for. There are many recipes out there for feeding your ferret after surgery, or when ill. They have different ingredients in them aimed at helping the ferret overcome his unique problem or illness. Not everyone agrees on what works the best. When I began learning from all the people on this list, I narrowed it down to the few that I trusted had the most knowledge and experience. Most of the duck soup recipes and variations of the original Chicken Gravy recipe are administered to ferrets who have *special needs*, or as Troy Lynn once put it, *for those who are sick or dying*. The people here use these formulas to feed their ferrets when they are not eating their regular kibble or need something more. There are some people who just feed the gravy because they believe it is superior to the available kibble out there. Some just use it in addition to the kibble. I have used some recipes following surgeries that are a great quick-fix for the immediate problem. Usually, the ingredients are expensive and do not keep well in the fridge for more than two days. These include special canned supplements from the vet, and Gerber's Chicken and Gravy..(which is wonderful, by the way, when they are off their food). I have found that the original recipe for Bob's Chicken Gravy is the best thing for long term use. It is full of things that help them get well, or to maintain their health. It is not a cure-all for illnesses. There are no black and white answers in the Land of Ferretdom, as, unfortunately, we have all learned. Most of the new subscribers do not know how to use the archives. (Troy Lynn had to teach me)...It is confusing when it pops up and asks for authors and dates..Click on *Search the Archives * which is available to you in the heading of each daily FML. When it comes up you will see a list of dates...ignore them and click at the very top where you see *search the archives* again. You will then be presented with more choices. Enter the words Chicken Gravy in the very top box..(ignore the authors and dates section for this). Choose the fourth one down, ( Q and A on Bob's Chicken Gravy) , and copy or print the recipe! If your ferret is insulinomic, as my Fang WAS, you can leave out the Ferretvite or Nutrical...I used to cut it down to one-third of a tube, later to none when he became diabetic...again, it is a personal thing, and depends on each individual circumstance. I also increase the oatmeal, and my vet and I thought the extra fiber would be good for Fang. Use of the honey for insulinomic ferrets is also controversial, although many people on this list have decided the honey is safe considering the ratio of honey to chicken. I mistakenly posted once that it was only one Tablespoon, but that was because that is all I am presently putting in since I am on shaky ground with Fang's history of sugar swings. If he maintains his present health, I will increase the honey back to four Tablespoons. Fang eats the gravy as his main food, three to four times a day. My circumstance called for this, due to his kibble formula changing at the same time he had undergone major surgery....he needed to get nutrients in him, but hated the new Iams; a double whammy for us to deal with. Bob's Chicken Gravy was a Godsend (and so is Bob Church). JUST MAKE IT THE EASY WAY IN THE CROCK POT AND USE ICE CUBE TRAYS BEFORE THE BAGGIES! One ice cube, one serving. Heat til hot, but not hot enough to burn tongue (stir with your finger to test for hot spots). Feed off finger at first, then put dish in front of ferret. A flat little dishes work best, as it keeps gravy off of whiskers. Wipe ferret chin afterwards if needed. Good luck and happy tummies, Liz and Fang ( "Mommy, get off the 'puter and gimme some gravy!") [Moderator's note: Or you can send email to [log in to unmask] In the body of the email type: SEND CHICKEN GRAVY FERRET and you'nn get it be return mail. BIG] [Posted in FML issue 3144]