A Day in the Life of a Zookeeper

A Day in the Life of a Zookeeper
Ever wonder what its like to share your world with a bunch of crazy critters? Tune in to find out!

Tuesday, April 02, 2013

Baby Steps

The little ferrets are making progress - settling into their new home and learning about their new siblings.  Here's some of the baby steps they are making:


  • The Stairs - Once we decided to open the bedroom door the little ones wanted to investigate.  The upstairs rooms are all gated off so the kitties and the bigger ferrets can access by climbing/jumping over but the little guys can't get in.  Finn was the first to want to go downstairs.  He struggled a bit with his first trip down - but he has them mastered now.  He loves downstairs - he plays in the cat boxes - ewww.  He had his first taste of dog food (ferret friendly) which he loves.  He plays with the cats and the toys and investigates the kitchen and the bathroom.  For him its just all good.  Violet on the other hand - she doesn't care for the stairs.  In fact, before today, the only time she has been downstairs via a ride with her humans.  Today she did the stairs all by herself.  She does not love downstairs - its okay but not exciting.  She is a very cautious ferret - very similar to Clooney.
  • People Food - I find this topic particularly interesting.  Clooney, Madison and Violet have absolutely no interest in people food.  Clooney does like the cookie part of a Fig Newton.  Madison and Clooney both like Coke - but other than that - nothing.  Finnegan is another story.  That little boy is a freak for people food.  He will try almost anything you give him.  Some things he likes and some he just spits out.  If he likes it - beware - he will climb, scratch, paw, bite - whatever it takes to get more.  Some of the things he likes - cantaloupe, banana, baked beans, pasta and beverages - Starbucks Chai Latte, Gatorade, hot cocoa - if he gets a whiff he will try to climb in your cup.  Interestingly enough - he also likes Nigel's meal worms - ugh.
  • Sleeping Spots - when they first came home they were on the same schedule and they always slept together.  They started out on the dog bed.  After a couple of days they moved to under the dog bed.  I think this is still the preferred spot for Violet but Finn has started exploring other places - mainly Madison's spots in the hubs closet.  They are not on the same sleeping schedules so much anymore.  Madison is sleeping in the guest room with Clooney for the most part.  Things might change further should we open up additional rooms.
  • Interactions - Violet loves Madison, she plays with the dog, she tries to play with Nigel, she likes Phoebe and she is on the bathing and wrestle schedule of Oliver.  She is afraid of Aggie, Zoey and totally petrified of Clooney.  She is so afraid of Clooney that when she sees him she makes a crying noise.  What a bully.  Finn loves Madison, he is not all that interested in the dog, he also tries to play with Nigel, likes Phoebe and loves to play with Ollie.  He is also afraid of Clooney.  In fact - Clooney is really mean to him.  I don't think Clooney is fond of having another boy ferret around.  If I go out I separate them - I am okay with squabbles but not with someone here to referee.  This will pass - Clooney was really mean to Madison - now they peacefully co-exist.
  • Biting - wow - Finn is a biter.  We are working on it.  He knows the command now "no biting" and for the most part when he is told he obeys.  It will take some time to make it consistent but he is still just a little baby.  They are 12 weeks and 2 days.  Violet is not much of a biter - she does nip when playing but its so gentle it doesn't warrant a reprimand.
So there you have it - the latest on the little ones.  



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