Thanks to all who responded to my request of a name for the DEW I've
recently adopted.  His name is now "Chinook" which is a "warm breeze which
blows over Alaska" suggested by Karen via the FML.  Kat also had some very
good suggestions.  Special thanks to both!  The new guy was a rescue with an
unknown history and I think it must sound similar to his original name
because he does respond a little to it.
 
Now I have a small problem with integrating him into my group.  He HATES
other ferts!, and I do mean hates!  He'll scream bloody murder if he comes
nose to nose with one, but will stalk and attack any that aren't alert or
are sleeping.  I've tried the introductions one on one, grouped, when the
existing group was fresh into play- time and tired after play- time, and
every combination of wound-up and wound-down there is with no improvement.
I've brought three other adults into my group proir to bringing him home
with little diffaculty.  This is going on two weeks which isn't very long in
some cases but in my opinion it seems that there should have been at least a
little improvement.  My biggest concern is the stress this is causing.  The
attacks are pretty bad, but haven't caused any injuries aside from some
pretty hurt feelings.  All group play-time is closely supervised.  For the
most part I've been following Bob C.'s plan of "let them work it out", the
only time I intervene is when things get out of hand and it seems a serious
injury may result.
 
So... How long do I keep trying?  How do you know when a fert is destined to
be a single fert?
 
I hate the thought of him spending his life with no ferret companionship,
but I guess in the end it's his decision to make.  If it doesn't seem to
bother him, why should it bother me?  It does though.
 
Any suggestions are greatly appreciated!!
 
SP
[Posted in FML issue 2263]