What is normal play between ferrets and at what point is it too rough and agressive? We have 2 ferrets, an altered male almost 2 years old that we've had since he was 6 weeks, and an altered female, a little over 1 year, that we acquired last July. They have their own room and frequently are given the run of 2 additional rooms. (They're never caged.) It's our habit in the morning to bring them upstairs to our bedroom so that we can spend time with them and they can have a change of scene. Although when we first acquired the female the male refused to socialize, running away when approached, they are now accustomed to each other. As soon as they hit the bedroom, they start exploring and tussling with one another. Recently though the male started to drag the female by the ear and this morning I heard a squeak and found that he had her by the throat. At both these points I intervened. Theey frequently share a bed and appear to coexist acceptably. However, I am concerned about the welfare of the female, and would appreciate any suggestions or ideas others may have. -- |- Jim Anderson -| |- [log in to unmask] (read daily) -| |- [log in to unmask] (read infrequently) -| |- (212) 902-2406 -| [Posted in FML issue 0972]