Picky eater

Question
Hi, I have an extremely picky eater who has defiantly imprinted on his food (Marshall's). I have two ferrets and one who will eat anything. I have my less picky one on ZuPreem and I'd like to switch my picky eater to that also. When I last tried switching his food (25/75) he wouldn't touch it. I increased it to 50/50 and he still wouldn't touch so I quit. His last owner tried switching his food and almost starved him to death. So can you please give me some tips on how to switch a picky ferret to a new food. Oh and he's about 2 and I think he's only ever ate Marshall's.

Answer
Hello Belinda,

You can start out by just sprinkling a bit of the Zupreem somewhere in the food. Are you talking about 25% new food, 75% old food? You don't have to start with a ratio that high. Tone it down to maybe 10% new food and 90% old food. Just get the Zupreem all mixed in with the Marshall's and the Marshall's should cover the smell of the Zupreem. Give him a few days on that. If he's doing okay, up it to 20% new food and 80% old food. If he doesn't take to that, back it off to 15% new food and 85% old food. Its just a trial and error thing. Always make sure that he is eating and that you're keeping food available! Nearly starving the little guy isn't a good thing at all! I'm sorry that I don't have more to tell you. You can try putting Ferretone on the food, but be sure to remove it if he doesn't eat it within a few hours so it doesn't spoil. I know this probably is what you wanted to hear, but you're doing what I would do. Just stick with it.

If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Sincerely,
Emilee Andrews