|
Post by topher8 on Sept 17, 2018 16:19:01 GMT -5
I have 2 older ferrets, one that is very grumpy at times and takes some serious work to get playing. Does anyone have any good methods/strategies to playing with older ferrets? Any different games that work better with older ferrets vs young? Just trying to find other ways to interact with him, he can be grumpy and sometimes have a "leave me alone" attitude while exploring. After some time he gets more playful but it definitely takes some work...
|
|
|
Post by abbeytheferret6 on Sept 18, 2018 5:06:57 GMT -5
Have you tried dragging them around on fabric or throwing sheets up in air---sometimes they like to jump on puffs that the sheets make as it falls to floor. Some boxes with holes cut in them with baby blankets and gadgets(no rubberry stuff)in them to investigate. Rice bins(long grain rice only)or a stroll outside. I have put out a tray of warm water with measuring spoons in it---they like to remove stuff floating on the water.
I have one that does not play with anyone. She will come and lay at my feet and I give her a spine rubbing which she likes. Sometimes when they have a condition(sick) they will not play either. I have not had a ferret passed 6.5 yrs old (yet)so I do not have any experience passed that.
|
|
|
Post by Charlie on Sept 18, 2018 9:36:02 GMT -5
My ferret isn't old either but try rolling a ball with a bell in it across the floor. Does he like tunnels?
|
|
|
Post by Sherry on Sept 18, 2018 9:48:23 GMT -5
I found my 8 and 9 yr olds often just preferred to putter around. Every so often they'd get worked up, but not often. How old is your "older" one?
|
|
|
Post by topher8 on Sept 18, 2018 19:12:20 GMT -5
He's close to 5 and a half. He has his moments but he is more of an explorer than a wrestler. I just want to make sure that's ok at his age and if there are other ways to play with him.
|
|
|
Post by unclejoe on Sept 19, 2018 5:57:04 GMT -5
plastic grocery bags? hey all love bags. drag him around or gently swing him in one.
|
|
|
Post by Sherry on Sept 19, 2018 10:00:06 GMT -5
At 5 1/2 he should still have good moments of heavy play. He won't be go go go like a youngster, but he should get worked up at times. I'd try towel or tube rides.
|
|
|
Post by topher8 on Sept 19, 2018 12:58:10 GMT -5
He does love towel and tube rides he just takes some time to warm up to them. He normally starts out exploring for a good amount of time then after multiple attempts he warms up. At what age does the "heavy play" start to go away?
|
|
|
Post by Sherry on Sept 21, 2018 11:03:35 GMT -5
Depends on the ferret, and their health. Does he have a des implant? Adrenal is a very distinct possibility at that age.
|
|
|
Post by topher8 on Sept 26, 2018 9:42:29 GMT -5
No implants, but I think I've figured out his lethargic issue that is on and off. His eyesight isn't the best so I think it's been slowing him down and possibly why he isn't as active as the others. They did a blood test on him and they said his number was kinda low but still on the safe side. I think with the poor eyesight and his age he just slows down a bit. Some days he won't even want to play, just kind of explore and hang out and then pass out. Depends on the day though, he seems more active on days when I'm home all day.
|
|
|
Post by Heather on Sept 27, 2018 19:02:46 GMT -5
Considering his age, I'd be tempted to do a trial DES or lupron (3 months) trial and see if you get some improvements. I've got a 7 yrs old girl who broke her back in the spring (recovered very well) I caught her chasing her daughters and war dancing (it wasn't graceful but it was cute) ciao
|
|
|
Post by topher8 on Sept 27, 2018 21:50:35 GMT -5
He has his moments, I've noticed if I let him sleep longer he seems more energetic when I let him loose. He's just a tough one to figure out, he comes across as kind of aloof and low energy but then explodes out of nowhere. I can't really figure him out but he is much better than compared to a couple months ago. We also had a really hot summer and I think that may have effected him also.
|
|
|
Post by Sparrow on Sept 28, 2018 12:38:07 GMT -5
I found my 8 and 9 yr olds often just preferred to putter around. Every so often they'd get worked up, but not often. How old is your "older" one? Yep, Sparrow would just walk around and check out stuff every now and then. Older ferrets are much like older people, set in routines and more happy to sleep than play. However, have you had your ferret checked for Insulinoma or other illnesses just to weed out that its not actually a symptom.
|
|
|
Post by storm on Sept 30, 2018 20:52:32 GMT -5
It could just be part of his personality. Some ferre are calmer than Others.
|
|
|
Post by topher8 on Oct 2, 2018 18:32:38 GMT -5
I feel like that could just be his personality...just was worried. He definitely is more chill of the group. Again he has his moments of play but for the most part he is pretty chill.
|
|