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| monacita |
Hello everyone,
This is my first post so hi :).
We have two ferrets, Dragon (5 1/2 months - male) and Sasha (2 months -
female). We just got Sasha and we've had Dragon for the last 3.5
months.
Sasha is about a third of Dragon's size and as soon as we introduced
the two, he wanted to assert his dominance over her. He jumped on her
and started nipping. We seperated them immediately because we were
worried that she was way too small to be playing rough with him.
We have them in separate cages and they're placed close so that they
can get used to each other's scents. We are also going to switch
bedding back and forth. We have also had supervised play times with
both of them interacting.
So far, it has almost always been the case that Dragon will pounce on
Sasha and start playing rough. We separate them whenever this happens.
When Dragon has just gotten up from a nap he will not nip her but just
follow her around everywhere - I'm not sure what that means and whether
or not it is bothering her. She doesn't seem to even notice.
I am wondering if anyone has tips on how to get the ferrets used to
each other and what we should try/avoid to help the process. It has
only been two days since they met so I'm assuming it will take a few
weeks maybe but I want to do it right.
I'll briefly describe their personalities for some background. Dragon
plays a little rough and we have been slowly correcting that so that he
no longer nips skin which is a great improvement. Treats don't seem to
work for him - he seems nonchalant. Recently he has been responding
more to Ferrotone though. Dragon will only allow cuddling briefly
before he wants to play or explore something new. He loves to attack my
Minnie Mouse teddy bear.
Sasha is in the process of teething so we're not quite sure if she's an
actual nipper but she is quite content most times to cuddle or climb up
my shoulder. She's still just a little baby so she sleeps a lot. She
loves our squeaky tennis ball and will come running as fast as she can
when she hears it, dooking all the way.
Any help will be greatly appreciated :). Thank you.
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| swamp |
On 11 Jul 2005 11:55:12 -0700, "monacita" <monanoor@gmail.com> wrote:
>Hello everyone,
>
>This is my first post so hi :).
>
>We have two ferrets, Dragon (5 1/2 months - male) and Sasha (2 months -
>female). We just got Sasha and we've had Dragon for the last 3.5
>months.
>
>Sasha is about a third of Dragon's size and as soon as we introduced
>the two, he wanted to assert his dominance over her. He jumped on her
>and started nipping. We seperated them immediately because we were
>worried that she was way too small to be playing rough with him.
You shouldn't have to worry about it for another 2-3 months, but are
they neutered?
>We have them in separate cages and they're placed close so that they
>can get used to each other's scents. We are also going to switch
>bedding back and forth. We have also had supervised play times with
>both of them interacting.
Good. Giving them both a bath at the same time, w/ the same shampoo,
can help as well.
>So far, it has almost always been the case that Dragon will pounce on
>Sasha and start playing rough. We separate them whenever this happens.
>When Dragon has just gotten up from a nap he will not nip her but just
>follow her around everywhere - I'm not sure what that means and whether
>or not it is bothering her. She doesn't seem to even notice.
Sounds to me like business as normal. If she's not screaming, pooping,
or bleeding I'd let 'em go.
>I am wondering if anyone has tips on how to get the ferrets used to
>each other and what we should try/avoid to help the process. It has
>only been two days since they met so I'm assuming it will take a few
>weeks maybe but I want to do it right.
Other than the mutual bath, you're doing it right. All of the
"non-technical" ferret books have a section dedicated to introducing
new ferrets. Not wanting to play favorites I won't recommend any one
over the other, but you should buy at least one of them. You'll still
make mistakes, but then you'll reread and think to yourself "Damn, I
read that." Then you'll read closer and won't make the next mistake.
>I'll briefly describe their personalities for some background. Dragon
>plays a little rough and we have been slowly correcting that so that he
>no longer nips skin which is a great improvement. Treats don't seem to
>work for him - he seems nonchalant. Recently he has been responding
>more to Ferrotone though. Dragon will only allow cuddling briefly
>before he wants to play or explore something new. He loves to attack my
>Minnie Mouse teddy bear.
Again, this sounds completely normal. You might try offering a treat
drenched in ferretone; sometimes that gets them started on a new
treat. Raisins and banana seem to be favorites. My guys like raw beef
and chix *only* because I started them on it young. Your guys are
still young enough...
I figure they're better off liking meat than fruit.
>Sasha is in the process of teething so we're not quite sure if she's an
>actual nipper but she is quite content most times to cuddle or climb up
>my shoulder. She's still just a little baby so she sleeps a lot. She
>loves our squeaky tennis ball and will come running as fast as she can
>when she hears it, dooking all the way.
Squeeky toys are a two-edged sword. They help you find the ferrets
when they go missing, but they also send some ferrets into a frenzy.
Use at your own risk.
>Any help will be greatly appreciated :). Thank you.
You're welcome, and welcome to the group,
swamp
--
"Who me officer? What's a ferut. These guys?? No, they're Polish cats."
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