Keven and others that have a problem with newbies getting beat up.  Instead
of applying bitter apple maybe apply LIBERAL amounts of Ferretone to the
newbies head and neck.  It may be messy and it may not work (you might not
want to turn a whole horde of ferrets lose on the newbie at this time but
segment the group if its large).  But it seems like they would learn to
like the newbie faster if they taste good - ummmmm!  lick lick lick; than
I don't like the newbie and it tastes nasty too!  (Sorry for the
personification).  This is closer to the training idea of "redirection"
which is more positive than an aversive like bitter apple.  Its a direct
reward for appropriate behavior rather than punishment.  If anyone tries
this please post the results!
 
Also don't forget the swap the bedding trick - take used bedding and
swap it so they get used to each others scent.
 
Mary, Boris and Giesela and the dog Booker
 
P.S.  Bill - your point about most pet store buys staying in the home may
be true - but how many times has rescue finally been brought in to find
that the ferret has been living alone caged in the basement for several
years?  Maybe their the lucky ones?  How do we know after the kids lose
interest in their impulse buy how many ferrets live their lives in a cage
getting adequate food, water etc.  from responsible parents but still no
interaction till they die?  A few would be too many but I fear its lots
more than that.
[Posted in FML issue 2526]