How to make friends with ferrets?

How to make two ferrets friends in 7 steps?

• Step 1. We select a friend.

If possible, immediately get two small (or young) ferrets – they are guaranteed to make friends! A good option is to bring two adult ferrets of about the same age into the house.

If you already have an adult ferret, it is better to bring a “youngster” into the house, and not an adult pet with already established habits. The second scenario is also possible, but friendship will likely take longer to build.

Pets of the same age, with a similar temperament, will make friends the fastest. Before buying a second ferret, watch him, evaluate his habits.

• Step 2. We delimit the territory.

Your main task is to avoid situations where the ferrets have to share something among themselves. The cause of the dispute can be food, a couch, a hammock, a toy, and even yourself. At first, each pet should have its own “personal items”. A new ferret in the house must have its own corner, where the “old-timer” will not climb with its laws. And all the property of the “old-timer” should remain in his power: the “newcomer” should not encroach on him.

In a party of ferrets, there is no pronounced leader, as, for example, in dogs, and they do not consider a person to be the undisputed leader. This makes it very easy for ferrets to communicate with their own kind and with other pets.

It will be better if the ferrets live in separate cages at first. Gradually, you will be able to substitute them closer to each other, so that the pets get used to the neighborhood from a safe distance. An alternative to two cages is a spacious aviary with dividing walls. It is important to “seat” ferrets in their territories and avoid head-to-head contact.

When things are sorted out, we take care of ourselves. Now you have to pay attention to two ferrets, and neither of them should feel left out. Do not get a pet – sensitive ferrets consider it a win-win.

• Step 3. We do not force events.

No need to drag two stubborn ferrets to each other. Or forcefully hold the “new one”, who is barely breathing with fear, while the old-timer sniffs him. Trust me, both of your pets are already under a lot of stress. Try not to amplify it.

Give ferrets as much time as they need. Let the newcomer calmly adapt, and the old-timer gradually get used to the new smells and neighborhood.

Let the ferrets develop their own language of communication. Let them sniff each other, snort, ruffle, lick their lips in the end. Do not interfere in the communication of ferrets before the start of a squabble.

• Step 4. We play in the open space.

The path to ferret friendship is through games. These pets are so active that even in a stressful situation they are unlikely to give up an interesting activity. Let the ferrets out of the cage. Take new toys (that none of your ferrets have seen yet) and get them involved in the game. Watch carefully how the ferrets interact with each other. Stop aggression. Work as an animator until the ferrets learn to play with each other on their own.

• Step 5. We stop aggression.

If at the first meeting one ferret tried to bite another, this is normal. But if the ferret shows aggression for several days and stubbornly tries to bite his potential friend, it’s time to start training. When the ferret starts a squabble, confidently (but gently) shake him by the collar, command “No!” and lock you in a cage. And then defiantly continue to have fun playing with your second pet.

Usually this way works. But if there are no results after 2-3 weeks, the ferret may not need any friends. This happens sometimes. In such a situation, it is better to think about the separate maintenance of ferrets on an ongoing basis.

• Step 6. We wear on the handles.

Everyone loves affection. And such contact pets as ferrets, even more so. When both tomboys are more or less used to each other, try to pick them up, both at once. Talk to them kindly, treat them with treats. Happened? It’s nice, isn’t it?

• Step 7. Make sure everyone is full.

Friendship is valued only on a full stomach. If one of the ferrets is hungry, then he will regard the second pet as a rival in the struggle for vital resources. Watch your pet’s diet. At first, it is better to feed them the same food from two different bowls and away from each other. Any treats should also be shared equally.

Is that all, you ask? From the main yes. You are lucky, because ferrets are very curious and contact pets. Nature itself will push them to make friends. Ferrets do not suffer from leadership habits and love the company very much. Usually, at first, strangers snort sternly at each other, but after a couple of weeks, they luxuriate together in a hammock.

Much less often, ferrets do not find an approach to each other. They may not match in temperament or other characteristics that we can only guess about. In this case, we recommend that you talk to a zoopsychologist: he may be able to help solve the problem. And if not, there is always the option of separate content – that’s not bad either!

We wish your ferrets the strongest friendship, and you – not to go crazy with tenderness! It’s difficult, we know.