From:
Jane Bradley
Date: 2005-02-03 16:20:09 UTC
Subject: Re: [ferrethealth] the surviving ferret
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <42024F39.9030702@cox.net>
In our experience, a bonded partner will miss and be depressed over the
loss of it's "mate". Once we knew that we were going to be losing Modo,
we went ahead and got a third ferret so Weasel would already know him.
While Weasel was very obviously depressed after Modo's death, I feel
that having Socks made a difference. It was sad to watch Weasel the
first time we let them out of the cage afterwards. He went all around
the house looking for Modo, going straight to all the different hiding
places Modo had favored. Socks was able to distract him into playing
for a short time but he made the rounds again, looking for Modo.
Thankfully, Weasel was only obviously depressed for a week or two.
Another thing that I do when we lose a ferret is to take it into the
ferret room and lay it on the floor. All the other ferrets will come up
and sniff. Some will then groom the ears, some don't pay any
attention. Having lost 7 now, I have noticed that it does seem to help
when they have a chance to say goodbye.
Hope this helps, Jane
- Z - wrote:
>It looks like my ferret Pan will be leaving us soon.
>