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Post by Sebs on Apr 18, 2021 1:57:46 GMT -5
I've had 2 ferrets since september and recently got 2 more about a month ago. They were introduced on neutral grounds before being brought back. Recently one of them (that I've had since september) have been following the others around, sniffing their ear and sometimes stuffing them and dragging them away which has pulled some fur out before. She didnt used to display this behaviour and I'm not sure whether it's because its spring (she is spayed) if theres a medical issue, if it's because of the new ferrets or if she just finally is comfortable in her environment as she used to be very timid and hid away a lot. She isn't showing any signs of illness, just behaviour change. The first two didnt seem to play together a lot so maybe shes just playing but I'm not sure. Do I need to take her to the vet or is behaviour change expected?
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Post by unclejoe on Apr 18, 2021 13:45:08 GMT -5
I think maybe she has become comfortable in her new home and establishing her position as alpha. I've had several females that were the boss, despite size differences with the males. As long as she's not fighting and attacking, she may or may not be successful. My female alphas were not vicious, they just reminded the others who was boss every so often by the same behavior you describes. If she starts to become more aggressive she may be facing adrenal disease. Check to see if she is losing hair beyond normal shedding, and check her girlie bits for swelling, both signs of adrenal. How old are your ferrets?
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Post by Sebs on Apr 18, 2021 15:59:10 GMT -5
I'm not sure of exact ages but the newest ones are about a year or less and the older ones are 1-2 years. Theres no hair loss or anything of the sort. I dont think its aggression but she grabs them by the ear, throat or scruff and drags them away to her stash spot like they're another item to stash but I could be mistaken
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Post by lyles on Apr 18, 2021 17:36:48 GMT -5
She could just exhibiting surrogate mother behavior. Alice is 7 and when I brought home a couple of kits she cleans and grooms them often.
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Post by unclejoe on Apr 18, 2021 21:43:24 GMT -5
it's just normal getting- to-know- you then. no worries as long as it doesn't get nasty. too young for adrenal. I have a couple cases of I'm going to kill you where the ferts could not be out of the cage at the same time.
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