From:
Caitlyn Martin
Date: 2005-01-17 20:05:58 UTC
Subject: Re: [ferrethealth] Advice - One Ferret or Two
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <26174005.1105995924388.JavaMail.nobody@strontium.smartgroups.com>
> I have previously owned ferrets many years ago but
> on each occasion it was as a single. I now have the
> opportunity to adopt a pair of kits. One of the pair
> is not exhibiting that she can be separated as yet.
> My concerns are that will a pair bond with me as
> well as a single?
A pair will certainly bond with you and both will be
incredibly attached to you in their own way. I have
four now and have had as many as 10 in the house. If
one of us humans came in we were mobbed. All wanted
attention from *us humans* every day.
IMHO, it is always best to have at least two for all
the reasons that have been posted, but... I really
believe it is best to have at least three. Why? When
you have a closely bonded pair and one dies the other
becomes depressed and may never be the same. When you
have three or more the survivors seem to adapt pretty
quickly and the period of depression remains short.
We saw this with Podo and Kodo. When we adopted them
they were inseparable. When Kodo died the then nine
and a half year old Podo was able to adapt because he
had closely bonded to other ferrets as well,
particularly Romana and Adric. He remained happy and
active for the rest of his life.
One humorous note: Podo, closing in on ten, was still
very active and playful. When we took in Chin Soon,
then eleven months old, Podo took to her immediately.
Finally there was a ferret who always was willing to
play when he was :) The two became fast friends until
Podo passed away. By then Chin Soon was also close to
Lady Ayeka. ...and so it goes...
All the best,
Caity and the fantastic four
(with two more adoptees coming soon)