Judy, we're in the same boat right now.  I've taken in abused ferrets
that were aggressive before.  They required a lot of work and time, but
they seemed mentally healthier and stronger than two passive ones that
I've had in recent years.  One was sort of young, and severely neglected
in a sick way.  He never did play.  Ever.  I saw him dance only a few
times.  But he wasn't terribly fearful, just a little.  He was like a
puppy dog because he preferred us to other animals and he liked to follow
us around.  The other ferret we've acquired recently from an abandoned
home.  Kip, the ferret from Pakistan as Sean calls him.  Kip shakes with
fear.  He climbs up into my lap whenever he's overly nervous.  He's
pathetic.  I feel so sorry for him.  We've had him for 6 weeks now, I
think.  Just last night, he played by himself in the rice box finally.
 
I tried to engage him in play and he opened his mouth at me repeatedly.
So he "tried" to play with me.  A really great sign.  I have no idea how
old he is, but I think he's several years old.  The people who owned him
didn't abuse him, he was just a casualty of ignorance.  He was caged his
whole life pretty much.  He is not nearly as hardy as a normal ferret.
So we'll see where this journey takes us, eh?
 
Wolfy
 
http://wolfysluv.com
[Posted in FML issue 5183]