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Post by Deleted on Jun 13, 2014 20:30:02 GMT -5
I have no words, Heather... The remaining three will just have to soak up all the love and attention for the whole lot. Ferrets are good at that sort of thing.
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Post by mjbez on Jun 13, 2014 22:08:53 GMT -5
This is such an unfortunate event. I am so sorry for the loss of your little babes.
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Post by Thérèse on Jun 14, 2014 8:39:24 GMT -5
Had considered the possibility that this tragedy may cause Lola to mistrust you (considering her previous reactions to loss) and also that you may feel some guilt also over events but mentioned neither because I didn't want to put thoughts into your mind if they weren't an issue when you already had so much to cope with.
Lola has just suffered a great loss (as have you) and she is reacting in anger and protective mum mode for now, you are a loving ferrent and Lola does know this and in time she will recover from this and let you back into her world but for now she is scared for her remaining bubs and all her focus is on protecting them from any and all. Once she knows they are going to be ok and they have grown beyond needing her, her mothering instincts will subside and she will be able to see you for you again and all will begin to heal.
And Bev is RIGHT. You are a wonderful ferrent and are doing an awesome difficult job. Things happen that you didn't foresee but we all know you are doing the absolute best you can for these beautiful kits. In hindsight it is always easier to say if only and to feel guilt (I have a long list of things for my guys) but you can only do your best and unfortunately you can't undo things just learn from them. Many will never have to deal with the loss you are currently dealing with but I know that that doen't make them a better ferrent (just a luckier one). YOu are one of the best ferrents I know.
Having dealt with my opinions...glad Lola is doing fine (albeit in ultra protective mother mode) and is looking after the remaining kits well. Hope you are looking after yourself just as well.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 14, 2014 9:13:27 GMT -5
I'm so very sorry to hear this!! I know how grief stricken you must be at this moment. But the blessing is that there are still three alive and well! Do not take Lola's actions personal. She is just in mother bear mode right now and you are the only one she can direct her anger and fear at. I think in time the two of you will develop a strong bond.
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Post by Heather on Jun 14, 2014 21:01:21 GMT -5
Thank you guys. It's been really hard to deal with this. That being said there are three little ones left. I thought I'd post a few pics of the wee beasties. Note: Momma Lola lurking in the background making sure I don't touch her babies and babies are now developing "ferret sleep methods" of sleeping on their heads. Even at this size. This is some individual pics of the little ones. The first one is of the largest wee jill. She's already got momma's hard stare The next one is of the tinier jill she really didn't want to take the time out to have her picture taken Lastly, is the wee boy. He's the rather runt of the litter, smaller than the two girls but a real snuggler and a real lovey boy The last photo give an idea as to general sizes. The wee boy was on his way out but was actually jumped on by his sister. It was amusing to see these wee ones actually trying to war dance and play. It has to be some of the most clumsy bit of fun I've ever had the joy to witness. I sat and watched them until they returned to the nest and they put themselves to bed, at which time I opened the door to the nursery and let Momma Lola back in. She stuck her head in the nest to such a chorus of meeping as the wee ones told her as to all the horrible things I did to them. She stuck her head out of the nest, glared at me and proceeded to wash them all down ciao
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Post by Sherry on Jun 15, 2014 1:37:48 GMT -5
Oh Heather they are SO precious. And that wee lad looks SO soft. Eyes, expression, everything
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Post by Deleted on Jun 15, 2014 2:02:57 GMT -5
The bigger girl is all, "You better put me down, or face my tiny wrath!" Tiny wrath is adorable.
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Post by katt on Jun 15, 2014 4:03:19 GMT -5
Oh Heather, I am so sorry. There aren't enough tears, there aren't sufficient words... ****hugs**** I think Bev said it best. This was truly out of your control. You are an amazing woman and an amazing ferrent. I am so sorry that you had to go through this. Hugs and healing thoughts to you and Lady Lola. The remaining 3 are absolutely beautiful. They are lucky to have you as their skin-mom.
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Post by Heather on Jun 15, 2014 12:06:28 GMT -5
This morning when I went in to check, clean up baby messes and feed, the two sisters were wrestling on the blanket in front of the nest (Momma Lola couldn't get out of there fast enough lol). It's rather amazing that these balls of fur have gone from staggering little furry lumps to wrestling, playing babies. Concern for the missing tiny boy was paramount. I'm afraid relaxing with this litter just isn't possible. I have nightmares about this litter . Saw some wiggling in the nest under the blanket so just reached in to find him....I was greeted with TEETH...the little bugger BIT me. I pulled out this wiggling, squirming ball of fuzz who was all happy and hissing and he proceeded to bite me again and wiggle and shake his tail. So I sat down and tickled bellies, scratched ears and started teaching them that I had softer skin. Oh, when their teeth really come in I'm going to be in so much trouble. They followed me around and helped to put more poo on the floor, it seems that I'm collecting the stuff and the little ones need to help me find more. When I was done, I called to Lady Lola and she returned to her duties in the nursery. They always greet her with such squealing enthusiasm and her concerned dooking is over the top. She checks each kit and then changing the tone of her dooking leads her wee beasties back to the nest to bed. ciao
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Post by crazylady on Jun 15, 2014 15:37:55 GMT -5
Aww heather the fun is just about to commence lol everything from play fights to real bites unfortunately the bites will all be kept for you lol but after around 3 weeks things will get easier lol you think there is poop now wait till they reach 8 weeks and are eating more than they are now lol keep up the good work and get yourself some band aids lol take care bye for now Bev p.s that little guy isnt that much smaller you watch and see how he catches up lol
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Post by Deleted on Jun 15, 2014 15:40:11 GMT -5
You are going to look like a pincushion when the teeth come in! LOL
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Post by Deleted on Jun 15, 2014 16:27:55 GMT -5
Maybe you should get some thimbles for each finger Or some of those cut resistant gloves cooks wear lol.
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Post by kraesmom on Jun 15, 2014 22:08:14 GMT -5
I'm very behind on this thread and I'm soooo sorry about the loss of the wee meepers. That said, the three remaining are absolutely beautiful and spirited babies. I look forward to reading their continued adventures.
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Post by Thérèse on Jun 16, 2014 5:46:12 GMT -5
Awww....little meepers eyes are open...sooo cute.
and seems they are already starting to show they are full of personality
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Post by Heather on Jun 18, 2014 21:29:10 GMT -5
I thought I would give a brief update. The remaining three are continuing to grow, along with their appetites. They're eating steak chunks tonight the next couple are some videos of the little ones toddling around and playing. The last 2 videos are the meepers greeting Momma Lola after she's been outside playing. ciao
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