How to socialize ferrets?

[dookid]

With other ferrets and with people? I don't want ferret fights.

[cockneyferret]

I'm sure that members with more experience than me will post suggestions, but from what I have read its slowly.

I've introduced our girls to a few friends now, and Ladrona is a fuss monster and loves meeting new people, whereas Bandida also loves to meet new people, so she can try to eat them....

Hehe

[caitmonster]

For ferret to ferret introductions, keeping them separate for a week or two is good practice for health reasons (in case the new one brings in some sort of illness), but also helps them adjust socially. Some ferrets welcome a new one easily, others take a while to sort out their differences. If you can introduce them in a neutral space (outside, or at a new location), that can take some of the pressure off. They might fight at first--lots of noise and running about is normal, but it's best to let them sort it out themselves unless blood is drawn or someone poops from fear. Don't punish anyone for aggression, just remove them from the situation. It can take up to a few months for everyone to settle in. Some never accept outsiders.

Having new people handle them in low-stress circumstances is good exposure for when they might need to be handled by strangers for medical treatments. Giving treats makes it even more of a positive experience. I take Rocket for walks and on excursions to pet-friendly shops (he's something of a celebrity at the local hardware store, heehee).

[Charlie]

Once their quarantine, as caitmonster suggested, keeping them separate to make sure the new ferret doesn't have any illnesses, is over, then put the 2 cages near each other but not close enough for the ferrets to reach through to each other. Also switch the ferrets in the cages so that they get a chance to smell each other and investigate each others cages and smells.

Other things to help introductions go a bit smoother is washing the ferrets so they all smell the same.

I spent a lot of time interacting with my ferret when I got him so he trusted me. Before introducing ferrets to other people, make sure that your ferret trusts you and you are confident that your ferret won't bite you anymore. Mine only bites when we are play fighting and it isn't very hard. I trust my ferret and he trusts me. Animals are unpredictable so always be aware and watch for cues. I know my mom is afraid of my ferret and he senses it so I am always very cautious and make sure I keep a close eye on him when he is around my mom. My ferret seems fine around other people because they don't show any fear.

[rosdez31]

Im in the middle of introducing an only 3 year old (Rikki) to a group of rescue ferrets. He was really aggressive especially with the male. I didn't know if it was ok so I distracted them first then separated them so I wouldn't interfere with there relationship. Then I did some research I'm no expert, much like puppies it can be hard to tell what's fighting and what's playing so expect some rough housing. After quarentine and close caging. I put out some blankets and empty boxes so they can hide and take breaks from each other, and have been giving them short supervised times together. This is making alot of progress he is starting to play and not just submit the fosters, but if I feel like things are getting too rough I've distracted them cause I don't want to be taking sides. Mostly prepare yourself for some rough housing but do a little research so you now if they cross a line. Good luck

[cockneyferret]

Jan 3, 2020 21:28:23 GMT -5 caitmonster said:

  I take Rocket for walks and on excursions to pet-friendly shops (he's something of a celebrity at the local hardware store, heehee).

Our girls have the same celebrity status at our local Pets at Home.  I take them there when I get our dog food and treats, and all the staff love seeing something other than dogs and the very occasional snake.

Cheers