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From:
Pam Grant and STAR* Ferrets <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Sat, 20 Jan 1996 22:24:57 -0500
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Give the blind one a chance to get used to other ferrets - bear can't see
what is coming...
 
My methods of introducing ferrets....
 
Ferrets that have been on their own for 2 years or more tend to take longer,
if at all, in adapting to another ferret.  The best introduction is with a
kit.
 
Your original ferret will want to be "dominant".  That is normal.  Grooming
the ears is a sign of acceptance - good - and since ferrets have very tough
neck skin - they usually do not get hurt.  When you pull them apart - does
the younger one go back for more?
 
The longer you keep them apart - the longer it will take to get them to work
it out.  Here is my suggestion:
 
Bathe both ferrets in a strong smelling shampoo (peppermint, or "perfumed"),
put Vanilla Extract on both of their noses, spray Bitter Apple on the back
of both of their necks, and turn them loose with a few towels in a bathroom.
Turn on the lights and fan and watch.  If they don't run from each other
after encounters and there is no ear piercing screaming and/or blood, leave
the room and go watch TV for an hour or so.  Check on them only by listening
through the door for the first hour.  If all is quiet after an hour, take a
peek - are they sleeping together?  Do they both come running?  Are they
both alright?
 
If so - you should be able to leave them caged together after that.  If one
is roughed up more than the other, or seems afraid of the other, or you feel
uncomfortable about it, leave them in separate cages, but switch the
sleeping material so they will get used to each other's scent every night.
Try the shampoo/Vanilla Extract/Bitter Apple trick again in a week.  Let me
know how it goes.
 
Pam Grant / STAR* Ferrets
[Posted in FML issue 1451]

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