|
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 28, 2011 8:17:50 GMT -5
Sometimes things just get suddenly overwhelming and what was ok before now becomes just more stress. That is happening here for us right now and I can't wait till we get this house back on a regular schedule with the animals. Our rabbit died and I got another one which wasn't a big deal but now I have two more, one being a rescue. Trying to get one animal adjusted into the house is bad enough but now there are three. One just got spayed so she is taking up the space in the little bathroom where I used to feed the ferrets. Of course that has them unglued because their daily routine has changed. And on top of it my Australian Shepherd got hit by a car. She isn't that bad but I still have to tend to her. So things here are out of wack and they are all getting on my nerves. But I know in a couple weeks everyone will be adjusted and we will be back on a routine.
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 28, 2011 12:13:28 GMT -5
Puppies are sooo much work!!! Dh wants to breed Jezzebelle but I can't handle a litter right now! I honestly don't think I ever will be able too! There's just so much work involved with them....I think ferrets are easier than puppies!!! Those Pit's were cute though... reminded me of my boys Chaos and Fagan... they'll be 9 this fall, time flies!
|
|
|
|
Post by bluemoose on Mar 28, 2011 12:21:30 GMT -5
I could never breed dogs. Aside from not knowing nearly enough or having dogs worth breeding, I could never rehome that many animals. It stressed me out trying to rehome those pits because I was so scared people would want them for the wrong reasons. That's why I refused to rehome them on CL and finally decided the shelter would be better. At least then potential adopters would be screened, the dogs would be spayed, and it wouldn't be directly my fault if they went to a terrible home. Add all the time, work, and money involved in the pups themselves and you won't catch me breeding lol
Hope your Aussie gets better soon cindyrads!
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 28, 2011 12:50:57 GMT -5
I think moving them outside for a bit might help you clear your mind. I completely understand where you're coming from and what you're feeling. Most of us have - and it's okay. Keep us posted on what decision you make  |
|
|
|
Post by trippyferret on Mar 28, 2011 13:37:20 GMT -5
I know how stressful it is when you have new animals in the house, I can literally make myself sick from the stress of a new pet. Ever since I got my latest ferret, Penny, I wake up with the most awful anxiety, because first I've got to wash up and change clothes so I can deal with my original business, then clean up all the poopies they made that night and give them a bit of one-on-one playtime, then I go clean the cat box, then I feed Penny and play with her, then I'm afraid to go in the room with my original business after that because I haven't got her ADV results back yet. Then I've still got to deal with walking and feeding the dogs, plus feeding the cats and cleaning their boxes. And that's just my morning! And it's driving me crazy because I can't go in the ferret room as much as I'd like(which was pretty often) because I'm paranoid about ADV and other bugs. It will be a huge relief once I get Penny's results back, as I won't have to go through all these crazy precautions! I'm glad I'm on spring break, or I'd have to be dealing with school too at the same time. Thank goodness.
I'd wait to make a decision when things get a little calmer around there. Puppies are more trouble than ferrets, in my experience, and even just one is a challenge when you've already got a house full of four-legged kids. Hoping keeping the ferties outdoors for a bit will help!
And btw, I'm glad to see you again, despite the circumstances!
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 28, 2011 15:32:20 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by bluemoose on Mar 28, 2011 16:29:42 GMT -5
I checked on them this afternoon after class and they seem to have survived their first night out without looking any worse for the wear. Hopefully they're enjoying the outdoor enrichment.
I agree puppies are more work but somehow they're still easier for me. Maybe it's because I've been around dogs most of my life and ferrets are relatively new but I think I just click better with dogs. I like to go out and do things with my pets and you can't train a ferret to hike with you or swim in a lake with you, to come reliably when called, to protect you, to sleep next to you in bed, to have perfect house training, ect. Plus since this is CA I can't take them out in public at all without some risk.
I know for some people, like many of you, they're the ideal pet but I'm just not sure they're a good fit for me. I'll keep my fuzz for now and see how the outdoor life works out. I just don't want them to live out there and become out of sight out of mind and never get any attention.
|
|
|
|
Post by acodlin on Mar 28, 2011 20:32:05 GMT -5
Just my opinion, but I think to have a really good bond with your ferret and for them to want to interact with you, you have to invest alot of time in them everyday. If your not since they have other ferrets to play with, they need you less. Sometimes mine get like that, if they do then I try to start spending atleast an hour of one on one time with them everyday, they go into the bedroom with me while I study, I give them treats and play with them, I take them out into my yard, sometimes on car trips to my b/f's work.. usually this does the trick.. I go to school full time, work full time, live 45 minutes away from both.. so I know how you feel 4 cats 3 dogs and 16 ferrets..it's alot of work but worth it to me. If ferrets arent for you then I wouldnt feel bad.. they are complicated little critters and not easy to care for. I admit somedays I wish I just had my cats, scoop the box, put out some fresh food and water everyday.. maybe clip nails once a month, brush them every now and then.. so much easier. I love all of them though and enjoy taking care of them. |
|
|
|
Post by sherik on Mar 28, 2011 21:44:00 GMT -5
Some people are just dog people. Me personally I am a ferret person. I would take a ferret any day over a cat or dog. I do have dogs and cats, but I could do with out them. I could never not have a ferret. So don't feel bad, everyone has their preference.
|
|
|
|
Post by bluemoose on Mar 28, 2011 23:21:08 GMT -5
Sherik, that's exactly how I feel but reversed lol I couldn't live without at least one cat and dog. I love my fuzz but I don't think I'll get anymore after these ones pass. They're adorable, entertaining, and hilarious but they're not my heart animal. I think that'll always be dogs.
|
|
|
|
Post by Sherry on Mar 28, 2011 23:30:49 GMT -5
At least you are able to realize that You have given 3 ferrets an absolutely amazing home and life that they'd not have had otherwise, and I for one am glad you did  But I do know what you mean by your "heart" animal. I could wish it were ferrets for you(because you are a phenomenal ferrent!), but it isn't. You do what you feel you need to do. Right now, it's keeping them in their enclosure so you can get yourself back together(along with your room!), and that's ok. I do not for one moment believe you would just wind up leaving them out there with no interaction, so I don't think you need to be afraid of that happening  You are too conscientious a pet owner for that to be allowed to happen! |
|
|
|
Post by katt on Mar 29, 2011 4:28:52 GMT -5
You know, living in CA you could easily keep them outside year-round. Several members have outdoor enclosures where they keep their fuzz outside all of the time. I think Marie is one, and I know Heather (Foxfire) does. I would talk to them about how to set up a warm bed for the winter and they could be outdoor ferrets easy as pie! Ferrets are NOT for everyone. I know the feeling of having animals that it's jsut like "I love you but..." As for your ferrets bonding with you, part of the problem is having multiples. They can play with each other! And you are busy so that makes it mroe difficult. As mentioned, speding a little time with each one will make a big difference. It doesn't need to be hours necessarily though. Try to spend just 15-20 mintues alone with each ferret. They will learn to bond with you, and you will learn their individual personalities away from other ferrets. They usually behave differently on their own than when with the rest of their furry business. If you can, maybe pick one ferret every few days to spend an hour alone with (even if it is just having them in the room with you while you study), and then on a daily basis, try to spend time with them all of course if you can, but take at least 10 minutes or so with each one, loving on them, playing with them, etc. I also saw this on a video someone posted. I lsot the link though.  It worked very well with Kenai, he wasn't really bonding with me until I started this, and then our bond sprouted almost immediately and jsut grew very quickly afterwards ( and I continued to do it)... Lay the ferret on it's back along your arm, with butt in your elbow head by your hand. Thsi is easiest done sitting IMO, but I have skinny, narrow arms.  It can be done standing or wherever though. lol With the hand holding the ferret, gently scruff them as they lay on their backs. With your free hand, genlty massage the ferret's face, nose, between the eyes, around the ears, top of the head, under the chin, along the sides of the face, all over. Just like a mommy ferret would do when washing a kit. I alternate between using a single finger (more tongue like lol) and multiple fingers. Do this until they start to lick their lips and yarn and sign and get very relaxed. Then continue however long you please, but at least wait until they yawn or otherwise "submit" (in quotes because this is less a submission issue and more about getting the ferret to bond and relax in your arms and see you as mommy-ferret). Kenai started out all squiggly when doing this, but now he just turns into a puddle of melted butter in my arms as soon as I start. He went from not really caring one way or the other about us (we were just another play toy) to follwing me around the room and laying on my feet to be picked up and snuggled. The bond is stil lvery different from a dog, but it is a very special bond nonetheless.  Also, it is soo easy to get overwhelemd when you are stressed. I think taking a break and stepping back a bit is a good idea. They will LOVE the outside time and it is actualy very health for them to be in the natural lighting. You are doing them much more good than anything by keeping them outside. You don't want to do something that you will regret like I did. Just make sure that you are 100% sure when you decide, and that your decision is not based soley on your stress level. Feel free to send Kiwi my way anytime. Maybe jsut having 2 will be a little easier... haha jk jk I would hate to separate her from her buddies! Keep us posted! |
|
|
|
Post by bluemoose on Mar 29, 2011 10:28:40 GMT -5
In my part of CA it gets to over 100 degrees in the summer so if they live out there I'm going to need to find a way to keep them cool. But I do like having them out there. The natural lighting is part of the reason I didn't want them in my room. I could never have the light on in there.
I'll try the massaging thing. Thanks for the tip!
|
|
|
|
Post by wtferret on Mar 29, 2011 12:07:12 GMT -5
I would suggest the yahoo ferret exchange or since you're in the area try orange county ferrets. If you were further north id consider taking them.
|
|
foxfire
Junior Member
Raw and Whole Prey Feeder
Owned by 7 ferrets, 10 pigs,27 ducks, 2 border collies & a husband
Posts: 153
|
Post by foxfire on Mar 30, 2011 2:45:33 GMT -5
Hi, I have 4 that live outdoor all year round. When it gets warm they get a litter tray of water to play in and lots of frozen water bottles, 3 liter bottles are good they stay frozen all day. I also have a cool pad, you wet it in a bucket of water, and it stays cool all day. They also sleep in the rice dig box a lot more when it is hot. When it gets to about 35/95, then they come inside into the spare room, till it gets cooler in the evening. Winter time they have a microwave snuggle pad in their bed, they love it and it stays warm all night. I am designing a new fabric "house" to go in the new pen for winter, it will be super warm and made for sub zero temperatures. I will post pictures of it when it is finished in my thread on "renovating the dog run". When I got them all desexed recently, I had the boys inside of a night and the girls out in the pen, then I swapped them over for the day. They went nuts when I put them back outside, so happy to be back "home" again. Merlin got a bit sick of being locked up inside, he hated it and even bit me to show me he wanted out. Now they are all living together again that they have healed up nicely. They can live a very happy life outdoor, my 4 wouldn't have it any other way.  |
|
They also would hook their food to the feeding den itself! 
It can be done standing or wherever though. lol With the hand holding the ferret, gently scruff them as they lay on their backs. With your free hand, genlty massage the ferret's face, nose, between the eyes, around the ears, top of the head, under the chin, along the sides of the face, all over. Just like a mommy ferret would do when washing a kit. I alternate between using a single finger (more tongue like lol) and multiple fingers. Do this until they start to lick their lips and yarn and sign and get very relaxed. Then continue however long you please, but at least wait until they yawn or otherwise "submit" (in quotes because this is less a submission issue and more about getting the ferret to bond and relax in your arms and see you as mommy-ferret). Kenai started out all squiggly when doing this, but now he just turns into a puddle of melted butter in my arms as soon as I start. He went from not really caring one way or the other about us (we were just another play toy) to follwing me around the room and laying on my feet to be picked up and snuggled. The bond is stil lvery different from a dog, but it is a very special bond nonetheless. 
