From:
Ann Barzda
Date: 2008-01-18 17:25:43 UTC
Subject: Re: [ferrethealth] so many ferrets
To: ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com
Just a note - from my understanding, ferrets are not pack animals. They stake out territories and live singly, driving off competition for resources. Whole males are VERY difficult to keep together, if not impossible, at least during the mating season. My females can be even more ferocious about protecting their space from intruders. That includes competition for food as well as for mates.
Humans are quite lucky that we are able to convince them to live in groups, and that neutering them seems to alter their behavior to the point that they willingly live together.
What I've found is that family groups will co-exist with the most harmony - that is several females and a male, or all females, IF they are raised together and kept together. Even then, if I remove one for a length of time (such as breeding or birthing), I sometimes can't get them to live in their old group again - it's as if they became a stranger. Makes it a challenge when I try to re-integrate. IMO, what happens with integrations of unrelated ferrets is that we humans convince them that the new ferret in their hammock is part of their family group, and eventually (hopefully) there is acceptance.
I wouldn't discount the bonding and affection a single ferret can feel for their human owner, nor would I worry overmuch they are missing out on companionship, as long as the humans can give them a lot of time and attention. Groups are nice, but it is not necessarily natural behavior for the ferret - possibly descended from the solitary polecat.
Hope that helps.
ann
Vicki Montgomery <ferretfrenzy@yahoo.com> wrote:
I don't see ferrets or dogs or horses, or many social/pack animals as any different than human children.
.
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