From:
nicole@mb-law.com
Date: 2003-06-04 14:16:44 UTC
Subject: Ferret Aggression - Deadly !
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <8247952.1054736204532.JavaMail.root@thallium.smartgroups.com>
Anyone who houses multiple ferrets would probably recognize the screech of a ferret under attack. Over the four years I have been shelter, I became almost immune to it - figuring they were establishing a pecking order which had always worked itself out. Even though I did my best to keep them separated by "cliques" - on occasion confrontations would occur. Usually, after an initial introduction, the rivals would become great buddies.
Last night, we put one group away and let another group out for playtime. Within minutes, one of the ferrets just let out found one of the ferrets who we thought was caged sleeping under the couch. He grabbed the poor little sleepy guy by the neck and dragged him out. By the time we released the choke hold - the sleeping ferret was twitching and gasping. He died on the way to the vet.
Though we can't be certain - our vet tried to comfort us by suggesting his neck had been broken, which resulted in a quick, merciful end to a life that was precious and much too short.
Just thought I would post this as a warning to those who believe ferret aggression is noisy but not deadly - as I once believed.
Nicole