From:
"Tony"
Date: 2011-07-30 23:31:24 UTC
Subject: [ferrethealth] Re: Introducing new ferret
To: ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com
I have had no problems with bringing in a youngster to an older ferret, but all the incomers were only 8-10 wks old. I have a long cage that I built myself that can be divided 2/3 - 1/3 with a 1 in. mesh divider. I use it if I need to isolate a sick ferret etc. With a ferret in each section there is a lot of hissing etc, I let one ferret out and put the other one in the first ones section for a time, I then put the first ferret in the section where the second ferret was and let the second ferret out to play. I continue to swap them about for a couple of days, sometimes just swapping the bedding just to confuse them further.
The next stage is take both ferrets one in each hand (I never scruff ferrets but hold round the shoulders) and sit on the floor and talk to them and move them slowly until they are nose to nose and can sniff each other, depending on their reaction I might let them go at this point, if a fight breaks out I grab them again and have another nose to nose experience If they get really agitated I do another 24 hrs of cage swapping. At this point I just let them get on with it, If a nasty fight starts I grab them both and sit with them on my knees nose to nose and talk to them and then when they have had time to calm a little I let them go again. Ater this point I have never had
to intervene again.
My two aged 6yrs and 5yrs still have the occasional dispute but if its prolonged one or other will retreat to a defensible space and ends it.
Only limited experience,just 3 introductions, but all have followed the same path.
Tony, Sugar and Suki.
In memory of Sally and Sue.
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