From:
tpettis@uoguelph.ca
Date: 2004-05-25 14:30:18 UTC
Subject: RE: Ethology: Licking and Smelling
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <7712156.1085495418756.JavaMail.root@thallium.smartgroups.com>
Hi Tiffany,
I think the licking is a little of both, really. In my experience our ferret Pippin, who lived with my boyfriend for 6 months before we moved in together, has a clear preference for John and will give him kisses on the nose any time John asks. If I ask for kisses Pippin turns his head away from me and refuses, unless I'm wet from a shower or sweaty, which is when he'll give a few licks but not to the extent that John gets them. I think the rear end smelling is for the same purpose as Sukie says, kinda like dogs use it for.
Terri
Author wrote:
> I've experienced, and heard of, ferrets licking their people on the hands, face, etc... I had previously thought the licking was merely a result of any salts on our skin seeming tasty for them. Now I am beginning to wonder if it an act of affection, as with dogs?
> Also, the two ferrets will rather often smell each others' rear end. Is this a method of olfactory identification (as their eyesight is really poor)?
> -Tiffany