Non Social Ferret

Question
Hey are you? First off i think it is wonderful that you take the time to answer all these questions concernig fuzzies.

So I have two females and Marley who we have had for over a year is a blessing and perfect. She plays, cuddles, and could not ask for a better friend. Now we have another, who's name is Abby and we have had her for about 3-4 months and rescued her form a family who did not want her. We think she is between 1-2 yrs. old and no matter what we do she will not play with us. She will kiss you on the nose and then struggle to get on the floor and run away. She sleeps alot and does not always want to come out of the cage (but I think she is just lazy. It is the fact that she just will not play or let me love her for more than 5 seconds, unless i have peanut butter or feretone. They are just polar opposites and no matter what, she wants nothing to do with me. Is that just her and I have to learn to accept that?

Answer
Hey Darren!

Thanks for the kind words. It's my pleasure to be able to help other ferret owners as others helped me when I had problems in the early years of ferret ownership :-)

Since Abby was living in a home where she was not wanted, it's hard to say what kind of treatment she received there. She may not trust people (unless they have a treat in their hand) OR she could actually have been kicked or injured in some way. Usually in situations like this I recommend a complete vet exam to be sure there is nothing physically wrong that is causing her not to want to be touched - possibly it is painful for her if she has a healing broken bone or other injury. At least after that, you know that what you are dealing with is a psychological problem and not a physical one.

After the vet exam, assuming nothing is found, you may just have to move very slowly with her to gain her trust. Does she play with Marley?  I'm sure if she was an only ferret who wasn't wanted for a couple of years, surely she is still in shock of this (wonderful!) new home she has and it just may take time to soak in and for her to trust you. She also has Marley as an excellent example to learn to follow, hopefully. Everything says this *should* turn out well for all involved - very lucky little girl; but maybe a bit more work for you for a while.

There is also the possibility that this is just her personality - still probably the result of her early handling by humans. Some ferrets can overcome it; some cannot.  How you treat her, the time you spend with her - all those things will help her adjust. I would never give up on a ferret.  Even tho every ferret is absolutely unique, they can usually be "loved" into being a sweet and loving ferret - but sometims it takes time and consistency.

I'm so happy that you have Abby. You wouldn't believe how many folks would just pass her off to someone else (messing up her psyche even more), mistreat her, or just put her in a cage and ignore her. At least you are willing to love her and to continue to try to get her little personality to blossom - you may be very very surprised when it finally does :-)  

Be patient, loving and kind to her at all times; you never know, even a raised voice may trigger fear in her, so just be aware of this and be especially gentle and consistently loving with her and I believe TIME will give you a sweet and very very appreciative little girl.

Best of luck to you - don't hesitate to write again anytime!   Hugs to the fuzzies and please know that Abby is in my thoughts and prayers that she will come out of her shell and trust you and love you as you love her.

Sincerely,

Jacquie Rodgers