update on Meeko & Inkah

Question
Hello Jacquie,i just thought i would fill you in on my situation.(Meeko wouldnt except Inkah after the desexing)Well i did everyhing you told me to do.The first interaction wasnt good,yes there was poop,foul,but no blood.Meeko grabs hold of Inkah by the neck and shakes her.Inkah has scratchers on her neck but does not bleed.(thank goodness).I am housing them together still but there is plenty of room for each.The ferretone on each of them didn't make a difference to Meeko,she still behaved the same.I have recently been putting Bitter Apple onto Inkah's neck.(not on the scratches thow) morning and evening.It has helped a little the attacks are maybe 2 times a day.Inkah used to just take the beating but she does hiss and make a lot of noise back at Meeko and tries to bite a little.The attacks are very short and when Inkah makes a fuss Meeko acts a bit scared and goes away.Sometimes there is still poops by Inkah.But mostly fouls from both.I have worried that keeping them together could cause stress but Inkah is so so very happy.She plays in the cage without interference from Meeko and when they are in thehouse they just keep away from each other,but usually there is an attack on Inkah then.Sometimes Inkah wants to play with Meeko and nearly jumps on her,then she realizes that she cant and runs away.I hope that they work it out soon,its such a shame.Thankyou Jacquie.

Answer
Hi Wendy:

It does sound like they are really doing fine. Sometimes it takes  a while for them to establish who is the boss (sounds like they've pretty well worked that out) and then they will get to a point where they find a happy medium and eventually really will play together. The worst is over at this point.....as soon as they each realize they could play together, I'm sure they will.  Just keep some crunchy bags around, some crocheted eggs, even some baby toys that make noise and have no small, soft plastic or rubber parts - they love those! The thrift store is a great place to get toys for them (also blankies). Maybe they just need a little push by having something fun to play in.  My strongest suggestion is a clear 20-ft dryer hose, which you can get on eBay or at WNYFLFA (Western New York Finger Lakes Ferret Association) - theirs are much heavier duty and only $15 if I remember right. The kids should have a blast chasing each other thru the tunnel and you can tie it in various configurations to make it different for them :-)

Have fun.....the more fun YOu have, the more fun they will have - really!

Sincerely,

Jacquie Rodgers