From:
Mohr
Date: 2004-07-04 08:02:28 UTC
Subject: Re: [ferrethealth] Squeaky Toys and Behavior
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-Id: <6.1.0.6.0.20040704024413.00ba8c10@pop.central.cox.net>
I'm not certain about any of the explanations for their behavior toward
these toys. I've never seen a ferret *not* react, unless deaf, but the
reactions differ, so I'm not sure a comprehensive theory can even be
formulated.
Someone mentioned the kit-noise theory, and a couple of mine have certainly
reacted that way, but my Xena was definitely *not* maternal toward the
toy. Xena was about average as far as being vocal is, I think, but when we
squeaked that toy, she would come tearing for it full throttle with this
loud, low, aggressive dook from deep in her throat. She would then proceed
to bite it, shake it, and otherwise try to tear it apart before dragging it
off. She would get so worked up that we had to be careful not to get our
hands, etc., in the way. She *only* made this particular type of dooking
noise when she heard that squeak -- we called it her EvilDook.
So I think Xena, at least, had her predator instincts activated by the
noise. She did have some unusually prominent predator instincts,
though. She was a sweet, gentle, loving ferret with us, but she loved to
stalk the cat (our grey tabby three times her size), leap on his back, and
clamp down on his neck -- just like attacking a rabbit. And once she
clamped down, she would not let go until someone intervened. Poor kitty
would just holler and try to run away, ferret attached...
Anyway, I really think their reaction to that kind of noise just depends on
the individual personality of the ferret to some extent.
-Natasha