>From:    Robynn McCarthy <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: Separations..
>If a large group of cage mates comes in together..they are adopted out
>together, no exceptions.  This may mean that it takes longer to find a
>home that will take multiple ferrets but it does happen, and it IS in
>the animal's best interest.  It also makes a difference if the animal is
>suffering from some kind of ailment to begin with, as many animals brought
>into the shelter are, and how long the ferrets have been bonded together as
>to how much stress that animal is going through.  Why cause them any more
>grief, or risk their well being if you don't have to?
 
I'm looking at the above response and require (sorry, additional
information)?  How or what do you use as a scale for determining stress and
much how stress a ferret goes thru?  Versus the symptoms of stress which
could mean a medical condition?
 
Stress and depression are witnessed both by humans and animals.  I have
empathy in humans which are treated with medication.  You as a shelter
owner can diagnose the extend of the stress and this is what I would
appreciate hearing about.
 
As a shelter owner, you can readily identify symptoms that a private owner,
newbie, middle guy, may not know what to look for.  In my posting, tried
to get information from both private and shelter owners, for the betterment
of our fuzzy butts and their owners.  I feel the information is vital to
everyone.  Don't you agree?
 
I have the following books at home:
Ferret, Rabbit & Rodent by Hillyer Quesenberry
Complete Guide to Ferrets by James McKay
An Owners Guide to Ferrets by Mary Shefferman
The Pet Ferret Owners Manual by Judith A. Bell
None of the above books address stress or depression, except the book
listed below.
 
P.S.  An Owners Guide to Ferret by M.  Shefferman states " page 29,
Exercise Time - Ferrets have a lot of energy and need to expend it by
having some running-around time every day.  They will get very frustrated
and stressed if left in their cage for too long without a chance to run."
 
Debbie
[Posted in FML issue 2961]