From:
bgbooker@aol.com
Date: 2001-11-29 18:29:00 UTC
Subject: Re: [Ferret-Health-list] depressed ferret
Hi,
I have 12 ferrets. I have never experienced this situation before.
I did get a ferret that was in a depressed state before I got her.
A couple of things I would consider would be if the older one was
getting additional attention. Are they kept in the same cage? They
may need to be introduced in a slower way. I would probably keep
them in separate cages introducing some material or toy that the kit
had played with and has her scent on in his cage. This way he can
be introduced to her scent slowly and not pushed to accept her.
When I have introduced certain ones to the group I have experienced
on occasion someone going for the neck. I will discipline the
behavior on sight. I have read that some people have put ferritone
on the neck on of the newbie. I have never done this. I have taken
in ferrets of different ages and would keep an eye on the behavior
of them. I do not have any of them in cages. They have managed to
work together and get along as a family in one room. They all play
wonderfully together.
I would probably give him more love and kisses. If someone in my
group seems a little down for some reason. I will take them out of
their room and keep them with me for a while giving them my
undivided attention. Talking to them in a soothing tone. Giving
them more attention. This I feel reinforces the bond. Once I put
them back they are happy and on their way. I also stress personal
attention to each one everyday.
I hope this can help in some way.
Dooks,
NeeJa and the MOD's (Masters of Disaster)