Male ferret rough behavior

Question
Hi my fiancee and I recently adopted 2 male ferrets from an individual she said she got them from the same pet store, we have a female ferret and they get along fine. My question is with the two males, when we first brought them home they were fine with each other now all of a sudden the larger Male (Littlefoot) seems to pick on the smaller male (Chomper) by biting at his ears and Chomper makes noises and sometimes screams but after a while Littlefoot will leave him alone, I have never seen any blood but I was wondering if this is any concern because I do not want to leave them in the cage together one day and have something happen.  I just want to know if this is normal behavior or something like bullying. Please let me know and thank you for your time.

Chris

Answer
Hello Chris,

Congratulations on the new additions to the family!  I agree, although adopting a ferret is WONDERFUL since you are providing a loving home.  

Bulling is natural to some ferrets, and as long as it does not become too aggressive or there is bloodshed, it should be fine.  It is likely Chomper had to put up with this for some time since they are not new to each other. Ferrets have VERY tough skin, and can take quite a bit of abuse.  There will be shrieks and cries from the other, but it is all part of bulling.  With luck, this behavior will pass.  

Some ferrets will never get along.  If he becomes too aggressive or there is any bloodshed, they MUST be permanently separated.  If this is the case, it may be necessary to find a new home for one of them.  Since you have owned a ferret before, I think you will be able to decide when the fighting becomes too rough... it is sometimes difficult to tell!  

I hope all works out well, and the three become great friends.  I am a bit concerned that this is a male-male problem... which in my opinion has less of a chance than male-female aggression. Of course, this does not mean he will not accept him with time.

-Cindy P.