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Post by MeikosMom on Jun 22, 2015 10:35:57 GMT -5
Hello, I'm Swearwolf, mom to my new ferret, Meiko. I am currently waiting for my account to be approved by an admin, but I'm very anxious about Meiko right now and want some advice for experience ferret owners.
When I first brought Meiko home, he was very playful and friendly, giving me kisses and letting me snuggle with him. He loved to play chase the first night I brought him home. Now, 4 days after I brought him home, he seems skittish and afraid. I can not think of anything that I have done to make him feel this way, except trying to get him to wear a harness(He seems bored with exploring my room, so I wanted to let him explore other rooms of the house without worrying about him getting stuck or lost.)
Is it normal for them to completely change after their first day at home? Did I do something wrong?
Thank you,
Swearwolf.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 22, 2015 10:50:08 GMT -5
Hi and Welcome to the HFF I approved your account this morning. Is Meiko an only ferret? Do you have another ferret (s) who is being rough with him? How old is he? If he is very young, he may be missing his friends or his mom, depending on where he came from. Little ones, baby meepers, may need comforting during the night. Ferrets are smart. They take their time giving their Love and Friendship. He is probably just unsecure in a new big place. He will need to explore and find some safe hidey holes and you can do that with him. It will help build your bond with him. Walk him around and show him everything. Let him see the sinks running, open a drawer and let him explore it, after you make sure that everything chewable is removed. Sit on the floor with a blanket and play with him. Give him a blanket ride down the hall. The more time you spend together, the more secure he will feel and the more bonded you become. If you need any help navigating the forum, just ask. (dance)
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Post by MeikosMom on Jun 22, 2015 11:00:57 GMT -5
He is an only ferret for now, I've never had a ferret before so everything pretty new to me, though I did do a lot of research about care and diet before I got him. I like the idea of showing him things around the house, I think that would make him feel more secure. Thank you for all the help so far
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Post by Heather on Jun 22, 2015 13:11:58 GMT -5
Chances are it's the harness. Tico reacted the same way. I'm not sure why it happens that way but it did. He wore a collar ok but not the harness. ciao
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Post by Deleted on Jun 22, 2015 13:35:50 GMT -5
Do you think Meiko will ever be able to get used to wearing a harness, or should I abandon the idea? I loved the thought of him being able to go on walks and outings, but I don't want to stress him out. Also, how should I repair the damage in our relationship?
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Post by Deleted on Jun 22, 2015 14:05:42 GMT -5
The more you put the harness on and go for walks, the more he will get use to it I have had my little one a few months now , and occasionally she will take off and run under the bed to hide from me. Play with him and handle him a lot. He will come around. It does take a little time for them to trust you fully.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 22, 2015 15:07:04 GMT -5
Do you think Meiko will ever be able to get used to wearing a harness, or should I abandon the idea? I loved the thought of him being able to go on walks and outings, but I don't want to stress him out. Also, how should I repair the damage in our relationship? Don't worry, you haven't damaged your new relationship. Everything is new and he is just getting use to you. The time will come when you have to clip his nails, he won't like that at first either. Or time to clean his ears, he won't like that. That's where bonding comes in. Once he learns to trust you and he will, he will come to love you and know that you are taking care of him. That just takes a little time. What kind of harness did you get for him. The vest like harnesses generally don't work too well. You want the H Harness. www.ferret.com/item/marshall-ferret-harness-and-lead-combo/650691/Practice inside first. They can make themselves tiny and slip out of a harness. Once he realizes how much fun it is, to go outside and for walks, you shouldn't have any trouble getting him to sit still for the harness.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 24, 2015 10:04:30 GMT -5
when I first got my ferrets they hated there harnesses, try giving him a small amount of hemp oil or ferret oil as he drinks/eats it try putting on the harness, mine were the same they hated putting them on but now they let me do it without a fuss and love going for walks, don’t give up on the harness idea he will eventually let you put it on him (don’t use the jacket harnesses) you will have lots of fun with him, ferrets are AMAZING pets he will forgive you haha!! Asha
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Post by Deleted on Jun 24, 2015 10:10:18 GMT -5
p.s is he an Albino?
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Post by Deleted on Jun 24, 2015 16:52:34 GMT -5
He seems to be more friendly and happy now, he dooked for the first time last night, so that was pretty exciting I bought him an H style harness, the one made by Marshall, and we have tested it inside the house so once it's cool enough(it's 90 degrees here right now) he can go for walks. He's not an albino, I think he is a cinnamon. Here is a picture of him sleeping(this is a temporary cage, I need to put his Ferret Nation together )
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Post by Deleted on Jun 24, 2015 18:24:17 GMT -5
He seems to be more friendly and happy now, he dooked for the first time last night, so that was pretty exciting I bought him an H style harness, the one made by Marshall, and we have tested it inside the house so once it's cool enough(it's 90 degrees here right now) he can go for walks. He's not an albino, I think he is a cinnamon. Here is a picture of him sleeping(this is a temporary cage, I need to put his Ferret Nation together ) That's great news. He must be feeling happy and secure. Your picture didn't show up. Here is a link to posting pictures and videos. holisticferret60.proboards.com/thread/47/post-pictures-videosIf you need any more help, just ask.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 24, 2015 18:44:18 GMT -5
Thank you
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Post by Deleted on Jun 25, 2015 7:03:52 GMT -5
aww he's so adorable!!!! have you decided a name yet?
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Post by Deleted on Jun 25, 2015 11:09:15 GMT -5
Beautiful baby!
My best advice is that if he gets scared like this again, don't chase after him or pester him to give you more attention... I did that with Beans once and only made him more frightened. I'm glad things are looking up. Welcome to the forum!
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