>On a natural feeding list someone said it won't hurt ferrets to go >without food for up to 48 hours. Ferrets are like kids, they won't accept new foods while something familiar is available. I personally am comfortable letting a ferret go for 24 hours with only the new food, UNLESS the ferret is very young, old, or has health issues. From the information I have read polecats often go without food for a day. Also, http://listserv.cuny.edu/Scripts/wa.exe?A2=ind0005&L=FERRET-SEARCH&P=R3529 >Switching foods should be done slowly and with close monitoring, whether >it is kibble or natural. A ferret's digestion time is about 4-6 hours. >If they didn't eat the 'natural' diet in 48 hours, that means they would >go about 42 hours without ANY nutrition in their system. Close monitoring is always recommended. If a ferret hasn't accepted the new food in the 24 hours, give in and provide their regular diet, then try some other methods to try and persuade them to expand their menu. >THAT in itself is harmful and organs WILL start to shut down on their >own after a period of time. Do you have any further information about this? I am always interested in learning more. Which organs, specific periods of time, etc? thanks shona [Posted in FML issue 5204]