From:
caitlyn@mizuhoradio.com
Date: 2009-02-23 03:09:33 UTC
Subject: RE: [ferrethealth] Re: Jak-Jak has new sister, need intro advice
To: ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com
Hi, Kathy and everyone else,
> I have to agree that Jak-Jak seems to be "old", very mellow, sleeps
> alot but will walk around a bit nd cuddle alot if enticed (meaning
> made to get up lol).
That is something you do need to take into account. You need to make
sure that when he is awake and wants attention he still gets it. He
needs to know he is still ferret #1.
> I've got this going on. So far Jak-Jak won't use bedding that smells
> like her, Nina doesn't care how it smells as long as its big enough
> to get under LOL!
Keep doing it. If you are going to keep Nina then Jak-Jak has to get
used to her.
>> If he's good with her give him praise and a treat. Let him know
>> you like it.
> Problem, Jak-Jak won't take treats. Not even kibble from my hand.
> He does like ear rubs though, can that be the reward?
Whatever makes him happy is a reward IMHO. He doesn't even take
Linatone?
> Nina has yet to shake or relieve herself during or immediately after
> a roll or drag and there has not been any blood drawn. I watch VERY
> closely.
Then there is no foul. Don't intervene. Your intervention is
preventing Jak-Jak from asserting himself as dominant alpha, the
ferret-in-charge. He and Nina will work it out. They have to. The
longer you prevent them from sorting things out for themselves the
longer it will take for them to bond to each other.
> I try to put Jak-Jak back in his cage with lots of loves
> after a few moments of quiet and lack of rolls or drags.
Caging him is punishment. That's negative reinforcement. You don't
want to do that unless he does something wrong. From what you've
written he is establishing his dominance in a pretty normal and
non-harmful way. Let him. Once he does that then things will get
better.
I have a pretty good track record of getting ferrets to get along pretty
quickly. Just remember: no blood, no relieving themselves, no strong
fear reaction means there is no foul. Jak-Jak isn't doing anything
wrong.
All the best,
Caity and the terrific trio
(Chin Soon, Zephyr, and Ella)
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