Recently, there have been several new posts asking for help with fighting
ferrets.  Help is found in Pam Greene's FAQ and in recent back issues of
the FML - within the last 3 or 4 weeks.
 
Michelle seems to have a different problem.  I personally don't believe in
the "let'em-fight-and-work-it-out-on-their-own" approach.
 
It seems like Tara has been traumatized by her first experience, even if
Mitzie isn't being too aggressive, Tara is frightened.  Back off the pressure
and give each ferret some quality time on their own.  Don't push any closeness
for a couple of weeks.  In the meantime, switch their blankets around so they
get used to each other's smell.  Give Tara some extra TLC; she needs some
security right now.
 
In a couple of weeks, try again - but supervised.  Hold one ferret in each
hand and let them sniff each other.  If you find alot of resistance on Tara's
part, it may be that she is just remembering what happened and she is afraid
it will happen again.
 
I had a similar problem and what I eventually had to do was hold BJ (Tara)
done and let Cecil (Mitzie) lick her face and wash her and kiss her.  BJ
needed to know that he wouldn't attack her.  When she realized he wasn't
going to do anything, she was fine.  Now they are best buddies.
 
But check out the FAQ for more details on help after you've given Tara
some timeout for a couple of weeks.
 
Debbie Riccio
WNYFLFA
Rochester, NY
[Posted in FML issue 1188]