Tanya, you are experiencing the exact same situation I went through for
years.  I had six ferrets, when someone locally needed a home for two
boys.  I adopted the two boys, bringing my business up to a total of
eight.  That was in 1997.  Both were about 2-1/2 yrs. old.  I was never
able to integrate these two boys.
 
Critter and Snoopy would, as you say, tag team any ferret that would
come close.  Causing bloody necks, flying poop, screams and much stress.
I tried continuously for months to supervise play time, but it never
worked.  After awhile, I stopped, because it just made the original six
nervous.  Plus as they were getting on in years, I felt that they should
not be bothered by these two bully's.  They never interacted again.
 
I recently lost the last of the original six.  Now I have the two bullies
left.  It is strange, that they are as sweet as can be with humans, but so
very mean with their own kind.  Possibly if the whole group were younger,
I would have tried longer to integrate, but my original group had a four
year old and a five year old.
 
The first six, I adopted from our shelter and various people who felt they
were "through-aways".  They got along fine.  I adopted one at a time and
never had a problem putting them together.  A small pecking order squabble
and it was over.  My original and first ferret Missy, my beautiful sable
girl, was alpha.  She let each of the other five know, both verbally and
physically.
 
My feelings are that MOST ferrets can be integrated with proper
supervision, patience and care.  Although there will always be the
exceptions.  Especially when older ferrets are involved.
 
On another topic, I have owned ferrets since 1994.  I have the two boys
left at this time and both are very sick.  I really don't think I will
get any more ferrets after they leave this earth for the rainbow bridge.
Each death took it's toll on my heart.  Each one died in my arms and
I cried rivers of tears for them.  I don't think I can go through it
anymore.  I think what really hurt the most was watching the deterioration
of their small bodies in such a short amount of time.  Having them young
and bouncy and so full of life to ones that were incapable of moving,
eating and just plain breathing.  This hurt so so much.  The money spent
for many operations and vet visits meant nothing.  I make good money, so
that was never a problem, fortunately.  It was the mental anguish for
these beautiful babies who left my life too fast.
 
God bless all the sick ferrets and the ferrets that have gone too soon
from our lives.
 
Mary
[Posted in FML issue 3785]