Introducing New Member Of The Family

[ZacB 147]

Any tips on introducing our new member of the family (currently in quarantine) to the mob? How long to keep in quarantine? We were planning on feeding them all up and then introducing her on full tummies. Don't really know her history as bought at an auction, this years kit supposedly and a good worker?!? Appears to be healthy, alert & friendly enough, well haven't lost any fingers yet!

[bobcullen79 1,495]

Been through it last season and going through it again now. It was easier last time as both the new poleys (from different yards),bonded, so it was old stock fighting new.

It was traumatic to the ears to say the least.

I put them all in with a newly vas`d hob and he seemed to be the field leveler, None of the jills had time to fight as the were always getting gripped up by the hob, until peace finally arrived..

Now Ive got another two new ones and its no longer mating season, its proving to be a bit more difficult. The two new ones came from the same yard, spent time in the same cage before I brought them home - with no problems...

Since the first introduction fight, the new jills are now against each other and against my old stock. I had to put the introduction training off for a few days as the screeching was putting the new pup on edge through the night and causing more drama. Today it was back on, after protecting the most timid jill in a cat box for 28hrs, in the court, I released them. Its been hot, but its cooling down. Little and often would be my advise as if you`ve ever wondered how a small ferret gets to grips with its quarry, your about to find out...

Also, neutral ground with plenty of hiding spaces is good.

Its been a few hours since the terriers ran into the yard, alerting me to another fight so fingers crossed.. Hopefully it will be plain sailing for you.

[ZacB 147]

Cheers Bobcullen. Will try a slowly slowly approach as a first then outside of the run & see how things progress