I got my ferrets Saturday from the shelter, and they're the sweetest boys you will ever see. However, whenever I let them both out to play, they start attacking eachother. I wasn't sure if they were playing or not, but when one bit down on the other's neck for a while, I began to get worried.
It's strange, because when they sleep, they'll pile on top of eachother like they're best friends, but as soon as they're out of the cage, they go crazy.
Leanna Aker (Premier Login leannaaker) Forum Owner 67.183.39.115
Re: Problem with new ferrets
August 21 2006, 9:42 AM
This is normal play. It is sort of like play wrestling. If you got two ferrets that were designated as a pair, or that got along at the shelter, I would be willing to bet this is what you're seeing.
Leanna Aker (Premier Login leannaaker) Forum Owner 67.183.39.115
Re: Problem with new ferrets
August 22 2006, 8:23 AM
Honestly, no.
You will know that the ferrets are actually fighting and not playing if you hear blood-curdling screeching. Sometimes, you'll see poo and pee involved, and sometimes bloody necks. Trust me, you'll know it if you see it and hear it. In play, I've had ferrets drag another ferret by the scruff of the neck all the way across the room. The "victim" ferret came back for more, and that's how I knew it was play.....
Is there one ferret getting chomped more often than the other? Does that ferret try to run away in the breaks or does he/she go back for more?
Even when ferrets actually fight, the best advice is to let them figure it out.
Good luck.
Leanna
--- "Dogs are followers, cats are self-absorbed, ferrets just are."
They're cute!