From:
"Cynthia Obrist"
Date: 2004-11-16 21:12:46 UTC
Subject: question about mounting behavior in neutered male
To: <ferrethealth@smartgroups.com>
Message-ID: <000c01c4cc21$0710b8e0$1202a8c0@home>
All six of my ferrets are neutered males. Two of them began a new behavior=
a couple of months ago where one ferret lies on top of another ferret and =
sucks on the side of the other ferret's neck. This occurs when they're res=
ting in a hammock or bed. They do not fight or struggle with each other, j=
ust lay there sucking on the neck while the "victim" holds still or sleeps.=
=
I know mounting can be an adrenal symptom, but what's confusing me is that =
this behavior seems to be spreading among the ferrets like it's a game. Bo=
th of the ferrets who originally began this behavior have been examined by =
an excellent vet within the time period when this behavior began and don't =
have any other adrenal symptoms. =
My question is can this behavior happen outside of an adrenal disease situa=
tion? I don't want to neglect a warning sign, but also don't want to overr=
eact if they're just being "ferrety." Should I (1) take the back into the =
vet, or (2) monitor the situation and take them to the Dr. if another adren=
al symptom develops?
Thanks for your help!
Cindy & the fuzzy six-pack