Civilized conversations are a great way to exchange ideas. Most discussions among people began with folks having either similar or disparate views. Humans have the gift of gab and should be able to express their views without needing a referee. Its not uncommon for people to keep discussing subjects that have been discussed before. It isn't as if -- oh -- this has been discussed already -- no need to talk about it anymore. If that were the case there'd be zero improvements and no advancement of society! It is entirely possible for a discussion to take place among individuals who have different viewpoints without it degrading into a free for all! When direct questions are asked, direct answers should be given. The discussion shouldn't come to an abrupt halt, or be diverted. Kibble Vs Natural will be a debate ongoing as long as kibble remains a large part of ferret care and as long as people keep questioning why obligate carnivores are being forced to eat food stuff they cannot digest. Some ferret owners will never question why feed kibble, but many have and many more will. Practically every kibble mfr will have upon its label a statement to the effect that ferrets are carnivores and need a diet high in meat. Then their ingredients go on to list all manner of plant items with yet another statement of how these plants supposedly benefit the ferret ( even though the ferret's system cannot digest them). Technically the debate whether to feed kibble or progress to a natural diet resides within the individual -- not among hot headed posts on forums. But for those folks curious about switching when they seek questions they should be able to find factual, truthful experiences and results from people who have already made the switch -- not be reluctant to even ask because they get shot down for even considering, and certainly shouldn't be discouraged by repeating myths and misconceptions. The American Ferret Association has taken a great step forward in their presentation of feeding ferrets and I believe that operators of sanctuaries, rescues, adoption centers, pet stores and ferret owners themselves would do well to review what's been written, as well as present such an open minded view of feeding ferrets. People who feed naturally see so many improvements in their ferrets that they want to share with the rest of the world. They have nothing personal to gain from revealing their experiences, except to encourage and help other people offer their ferrets improved health too. Many natural feeders have already progressed through the various stages of so called "improved", "quality", kibble and thought their ferrets were exhibiting fine health. But making that step into a natural diet proved that the kibble diet just was NOT offering optimal health. It isn't an easy thing to do -- swim against the mainstream to step outside the boundaries, think outside the box. But for those adventurous enough to do so, the rewards are stunning! Switching ferrets from kibble to a natural diet is NOT as difficult as you'd think. Natural feeding is MORE economical than purchasing kibble. It offers more variety to the ferret, and offers the ferret owner more direct control over what goes into the maw of the ferret! ferrets fed a variety of forms and types of natural foods can be cared for by outside family memebers without the "ewww,Gross!" factor. There are several places on the internet one can explore to review other's experiences with feeding natural diets. Many are of course related to feeding other pets, some are ferret specific places. These are great places to start: www.rawmeatybones.com , www.naturalferrets.com , http://exoticpets.about.com/od/ferretcare/i/naturaldiets_2.htm http://holisticferret.proboards80.com I've had 8 ferrets switch from kibble to natural foods, some were as fast as their first bite, others took a few months to finally ignore kibble. Their ages ran from 5 weeks old to 5 years old when started on the new diet. I use a variety of raw meaty bones from various sources: chicken, fish, rabbit, Cornish Hen, Turkey, veal, beef; raw and cooked egg,; a variety of whole prey /live prey from various sources : mice, rats, guinea pigs, chicks, fish, invertebrates & insects. I feed a variety of forms of food from raw to live to whole to dehydrated, to freeze dried to ground. I personally do NOT purchase pre-packaged frozen whole prey but instead raise my own mice. This does stem from an experience of feeding a poorly stored frozen mouse and when I was feeding them, I'd become accustomed to the smell of the packaged mice. The times I've frozen my own mice, they do NOT smell when thawed -- so I know the purchased mice had NOT been handled properly. Other people feeding purchased prepackaged frozen prey have not reported such an experience. I live in an apartment and have devised a system to raise mice to feed my crew of 6 ferrets at least one to two mice per day. My mice are clean, handled, do not smell, get fed natural whole foods (seeds, vegetables, fruits, meats and bones because mice are omnivores) and even live prey themselves (super worms and crickets and an occasional earthworm). My ferrets are also allowed free roam through the house 24/7 as well as taken on outdoor excursions regularly. I start my ferrets on their new diet by offering them basically a smorgasbord of items. Sometimes ala carte, sometimes mixed into their kibble. Each ferret picks their own method to venture into the natural flavors. I never force feed the ferret, but I do only offer kibbles that have been mixed with meat so that they are introduced to the smell and flavors and eventually the texture. Live prey is offered in increments also starting with the very young in order to develop the predator within. I make certain not to over match the ferret with intended prey so that each successful kill bolster's the ferret's confidence and allows them to hone their skills. While some of my ferrets would likely eat some kibble if offered, the majority of them will refuse. Kibble causes ferrets to become addicted, literally and if offered that addictive substance, some cannot resist, so it is up to me to keep them from that foreign substance. The improved vigor and bloom of my ferrets says that the natural diet is the proper move to make to offer them optimal nutrition! When others venture into this, they too will be convinced; and the myths and misconceptions constantly touted will be laughed at or at least frowned upon. They'll be happy to talk to other people about their experiences and happy that more ferrets are bound for better health! Cheers, Kim please visit : for ferret help and info: http://holisticferret.proboards80.com/index.cgi http://ferretopia.proboards51.com/index.cgi yahoo groups Natural Ferrets for fun: www.vanityferret.com (password required: "FerretsRfun") [Posted in FML 6230]