Hi Heather,
You may get some mail that is great and some not so great but don't let it
get you down.  What is important is that you realized that you need to be
a better ferret mommy and that is what is important.  Look at all the
shelters that are so full to overflowing of ferrets and other animals that
people just didn't want to take the time to learn about or could not deal
with behavioral problems.  The reason for me posting this on the list is
for everyone that might be lurking and afraid to post.  We have had cats
for many a moon and some with severe behavioral problems.  We have a few
now that even though altered they spray anything they can to "mark" their
territory.  We have tried everything to no avail.  We give them tons of
love and treats and time with mom and dad but they each want us for their
very own and will even pee on our just worn clothes to let the others know
that we are theirs alone.  We have learned to deal with this and walk
around with "nature's miracle" in hand to clean up the messes.  I thought
wow having 11 cats(now 13) should make having ferrets a breeze.  Boy I
could not have been more wrong.  These 2 little guys take more work and
time than all 13 cats put together.  You don't have time to think about
the bad day at work you had because they demand your total attention when
you come home and walk into their room.  They albeit the extra work have
been the best stress relievers ever.  People would come in and look at
them thinking they were ferocious because of their antics but they are
the most loveable ferts I have ever seen.  We are new mommy and dad fert
parents and we had to deal with the biting right off.  We listened to the
people on the FML and it worked in days.  Not once were they yelled at or
hit or anything.  Now they know when we say no biting which is very rare
unless they are totally excited they listen.  They are much smarter than
the cats too and have taught the 2 new kittens a few things.  The 2 kitten
girls now think they are ferrets and like to go into the cage to sleep.
No matter how many problems these little ones need to be given a chance
and time to adjust.  We are in such a speedy world that we think we can
just do one thing and bring them home and bam that is all we have to do.
They like people need time to adjust.  I applaud you for taking time now
with your babies.  Animals esp ferts know more than we realize and you
just show them lots of love and attention and they will love you right
back.
 
Have a great day
Love & angel ferret kitty hugs
Debbie
[Posted in FML issue 3577]