From:
"cavaliercritters"
Date: 2008-07-24 13:22:44 UTC
Subject: [ferrethealth] New to the Group & Questions (regarding introduction of new ferret)
To: ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com
Hi Everyone,
I am slightly new to the ferret world. I have a friend I have known
for almost 5 years and she has had a small ferret rescue for man many
years. Well finally, I was able to adopt two of her wonderful
rescues, "Basil" and "Sage" (two neutered males).
I have had them for almost 6 months. I have to admit, I am a changed
person...I am 100% ferret crazy. I never dreamed just what great
companions these animals make. I have dogs, birds, guinea pigs,
skinny pigs (hairless g.pigs), chinchillas, rabbits, and Sugar
Gliders. The ferrets are my absolute favorite. I mean no offense to
the others, I love them all like my kids, it is just nothing or no
one compares to a ferret.
Anyway, my questions are...
I just adopted another ferret. She is a beautiful sable. She came
from a different source (private owner). I would have gone back to my
friend, but she is indefinately out of state (family reasons) and
does not know when or if she will be back.
I am concerned for this ferret since she is extremely tiny and on the
thin side. She was kept in a cage with 3 huge males and another
female that was large and very bossy. The prior-owner stated she was
unsure of her age because she had so many throughout the last years,
but estimated her to be between 2-4 years. There were some other
things about her past surrounds and care, but it maybe just personal
preference issue too.
I brought her home last night. I set up a quarentine cage in a
different room away from my other ferrets for now. I have fed her
some Ferretvite & Furovite (to see which she prefers - Ferretvite
won) along with a mix 3 to 1 of her old food and what I feed
(combination of Marshal & Mazuri). She ate some of it but mostly her
old food, Triple F Farms.
After using her litter box, which at her prior home, she did not have
one. And finally went to sleep in her hammock, another item she did
not have before. She is alert, has bright clear eyes, no nasal
discharged, no labored breathing, eats ok (especially for marshal
treats).
1) How long should I keep her away from my boys?
2) What is the best way to introduce them?
3) Should I be so concerned about her size?
4) What should I be looking for over the next days (or weeks) during
this separation? What about depression from being away from her other
famly?
Sorry for the list, but I want to do best by her, especially
considering the way she had to live before.
Thanks in advance for all your suggestions and input,
Lori
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