Ferret stressed?

Question
I had 3 males, and we were looking to add a few more to the group.  We brought home 2 girls, but the oldest male, Dean - 5.5 yrs old, would try to dominate them, and eventually there was poop flying from one of the females, so we returned the girls to the shelter, and tried 2 males.

The 2 males have been with us for about a week now, and Dean - age 5.5 now seems to be less active, and seems like he would rather be on his own.  He also seems to have lost some weight.  One of the new males - age 5, is trying to establish a pecking order by tackling and chasing all of the other ferrets.  No tail puffing or poop flying, just wrestling around.

I am worried that this new 5 yr old may be bullying the other ferrets because he chases them, but they do not turn around and chase him back - but it's only been 1 week, maybe they are getting used to each other.

I am also worried about Dean, who used to be very active prior to the new girls, and now the new boys who have replaced them.  Dean is also the oldest of the five, so I'm not sure if maybe he's just getting older.  But the changes did seem to start with the new arrivals.

Does this behavior seem typical, or should I be concerned?

Answer
Hello Danielle,

It is not surprising that Dean is showing signs of stress.   Ferrets are social animals, but as they age some of them tend to become territorial.  New arrivals are seen as threats, which can cause the fur to fly!  Sometimes the situation will solve itself and they will become friends.  Other times, they must remain separated.

Give them more time to get used to each other.  Allow them to interact ONLY under supervision and separate them if there is too much violence or any bloodshed.  If the tension does not begin to improve in the next few weeks, you might have to separate them permanently.  

Monitor Dean closely.  Make sure he is eating and drinking.  Ferrets are intelligent creatures, and the new arrivals might cause stress and even depression.  You might see vomiting and diarrhea.  Stress can cause this, but make sure he has an appetite and remains hydrated.  This is very important since ferrets need to eat every 4-6 hours, and can go downhill quickly if they become anorexic.  If his lethargy persists or he refuses food, make sure you have him seen by a vet to make sure there is no medical problem.  

I hope the situation works itself out and everyone ends up getting along.  New arrivals are tough.  I know you want to add new playmates to the group but the older ferrets see this as a threat to their home.  Only time will tell if the current situation will work out, or if you need to separate someone from the group. In my own experience, I have seen both situations happen.  

-Cindy P.