From:
ncferretmom@yahoo.com
Date: 2001-11-30 19:19:00 UTC
Subject: Re: depressed ferret
Brett, my guy Shadow gets depressed every time I keep a rescue! He
came in as #4 and really integrated well with the others. He got his
name, though, because he was literally my shadow. He reminded me of
the 2 year old child who won't turn loose of Mom's leg!
When I added #5 about a year later, he was a bully toward him. He
eventually accepted him and seemed to like it better when the rescues
just passed through. After that I did not add any more for quite a
while, but I did lose 2 of the original 3. I suddenly got 2 at once,
and the big one gave as good as he got. Shadow had a wrestlin' buddy,
The other ignored him and he bullied her. Last August I took in 4
sick rescues I was unable to place before moving. Shadow hates them.
He tries to be a bully and I won't let him when I am around. When I
come in, he climbs in a hammock and is totally depressed. No matter
how much time he gets, he wants the others' time, too.
I don't really see that he will *get over* this. I just try to be
very careful to give him loving - including carrying him constantly
when he is awake. I play games with him and smother him in kisses -
even though he is not a *kissy* ferret. He goes for walks with me. No
matter what it is - it is not enough. He would rather I get rid of
ALL the furry critters. The point is that Foozie may want to be an
only child, just like Shadow.
In time MAYBE he will grow to accept the newbie. Until then, I'd give
extra doses of love and make sure that any shared playtime involves
lots of positive reinforcement for Foozie. If he can associate good
things with the newby, maybe he will be more accepting of him. Good
luck - and hang in there. Time cures lots of problems and one day
they may suddenly be found curled up together!
renee :)