Ferrets more than a year apart.

Question
Hello, I have a female ferret, about 1.5 years old. I just bought a male ferret, about 4 months old, according to the pet store (though this one is much larger than my 1 year old). They are both fixed. I've had the new ferret about a week now and they still don't seem to get along. They fight/play when in the cage together but younger male is always the one on top biting on her nape, with the older female squeaking and hissing.
Are they too far apart? Has my first ferret been alone too long to add another ferret to the cage? Should I take this one back and get a smaller baby ferret? Male or female? Also, how do you tell how old a ferret is? As I said, the new one is quite a bit bigger than my first ferret was when I bought her, and is also bigger than she is even now, by a few inches in length and general size around.

Answer
Hello Jeff,
thanks for your question... Male ferrets are about twice the size of females, generally. So ANY male you get will be bigger. It sounds like your male ferret is just right in size. But males and females get along just as well as same sex pairs.
It sounds like it is a typical situation of rough play, and a little dominance from your male ferret. This is very common, and your female will put him in his place. It is the same as "playground fighting" with the boys pulling the girl's hair. As long as there is no obvious aggression (head shaking and growling, drawing blood) then I would let them work it out. You male ferret is trying to "bully" the female, probably out of the hammock, and she is not having it. It is typical behaviors.I would recommend continuing to let them live together. when they are out to play together, but have LOTS of diversions, like a rice box, and toys, and tunnels, so your little female has a a place to escape to, and your male has some distractions other than her.
Ferrets DO play very rough and tumble, like kittens. And there's very often some hissing,nipping, dragging, and dooking, and lots of tail wagging and pouncing. And usually, the females very often are tougher than the males!
If you start to see actual fights, let me know, and I can help with that. But right now, it sounds like typical new ferret vs. old ferret behavior, and it should work itself out.
here is a very inforamtive website:
http://www.everythingferret.com/ferret_introductions.htm

Good luck, and let me know if you need any more help.
amy