From:
caitlyn@mizuhoradio.com
Date: 2009-02-24 05:00:00 UTC
Subject: RE: [ferrethealth] Re: Jak-Jak has new sister, need intro advice
To: ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com
Hi, Kathy, and everyone else,
> Thanks, I thought he might be too old. So the tendancy to sleep a
> lot and just want me to cuddle him is normal?
It's pretty normal in an old ferret. I've found that ferrets really
don't slow down all that much unless something is wrong, though. I had
a ferret who earned the nickname "Mr. Cuddle Weasel" as a kit and I have
a seven year old who likes rough play. It really depends on
personality. Wanting to cuddle isn't a sign of a problem.
> The vet ran a full
> blood pannel and says there is no sign of adrenal or insulinoma which
You're doing exactly the right thing. Regular bloodwork (every 6 mos.
or so) is a good idea with senior ferrets.
> I was a bit more worried about since he was being fed dog food when
> we got him. He has a fully clean bill of health besides age.
Better nutrition will certainly help. I assume you are giving him high
quality ferret food or chicken gravy or both. If he's been recently
adopted the change of scenery may be depressing for him. It's like
shelter shock or losing a companion. Old ferrets are very much
creatures of habit. It may take time for him to adjust.
Introducing Nina may be a good thing in the long run if he accepts her.
As I posted before, it was just the ticket for my Podo who had lost his
brother (literally, as in almost certainly from the same litter). Chin
Soon was afraid of the other ferrets. Old Podo was mellow to her. Podo
had loved to wrestle and bounce with his brother. When Chin Soon wanted
to play and wrestle with him it brought him back to life. He started
playing, bouncing, and war dancing again. It was great to see.
I have no way of knowing how well Jak-Jak and Nina will get along in the
end or if they will bond. I do know that trying to get him a companion
may be very good for his mental health in the long run if he accepts
her. If he doesn't then it isn't. As I mentioned before I've had
really good luck with my introductions. Even so, I feared I'd have to
adopt out Chin Soon because it took a long time for Nyssa to accept her.
In the end they were best of friends.
All the best,
Caity and the terrific trio
(Ella, Zephyr, and Chin Soon)
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