Traci wrote:
>Specifically, what is happening is that while they in their hammock Parker
>latches onto Presley's neck and will not let go.  For anything.  I know
>this is common ferret play but when they do it outside of the cage it
>seems very different.  WHile this is happening I can hear a bit of
>clucking and hissing although I'm never certain which one is doing it.
>I've gone over the cage to stop Parker or remove him--it is next to
>impossible to get him to unlatch his teeth with the exception of offering
>a raisin and even then it takes a moment.
 
Sudden aggression or mating habits (grabbing the back of the neck and
holding is a mating habit sometimes used in play) is a warning of adrenal.
Keep a close eye on that boy for hair loss or thin skin.
 
Also, even tho you think you are doing right, you may be encouraging Parker
by *rewarding* him with a rasin when he "strong holds" Presley.  Try
another method - like blowing in his nose (they will usually let go from
this method).
 
>this is entirely out of his nature (Presley has always been the more
>aggressive one, and since he is younger has more energy for it, too).
>Three, Presley does not seem to like it but yet he doesn't attempt to move
>or get away, although I'm certain he has the power and strength to do so.
 
Parker may also be trying to re-establish himself in the pecking order
since they have both moved to a new home.  However, my hunch is adrenal.
 
Amy Flemmming
[Posted in FML issue 3084]