Post by JAMFuzzies on Jun 3, 2008 0:56:55 GMT -5
" Ferrets will also go through a teething period, and during this period, it is very normal for them to chew on things/you. You will want to nip train them though. Socializing them is the big thing that will teach them not to bite. They'll need to know who is in charge and that your hand is not a threat. Some ferrets can be timid for different reasons. I spend a lot of time with mine and so far I've found it pretty easy to train them not to bite. My guys do play bite, which is pretty normal. They certainly do not do it violently. Rikku seemed like she was not well socialized at all when I got her. She was a bit of a biter but I got her to calm down pretty fast. I disciplined her, not by yelling or anything, just telling her "no" in a stern voice and removing her from what she was biting. I've heard of other methods, Bitter Apple for example.. I've also heard some Ferrets actually like it, when it's actually supposed to be a biting deterrent. This could be said of Rikku. She loved the stuff. But she has always been on the strange side though, come to think of it. I've also heard scruffing them like their mothers do as a way of punishing her kits, can be used. ( Ive used this with great success, you only do it for a second and if you add a slight hiss during the motion it helps. Watch a video of a mother ferret and her kits and you will see where the behavior comes from) You could also give them toys to bite intsead. Especially if they are kits, because they will want to chew while teething. You should of course, play with you Ferrets every day, which will help them get to know you quicker. They can be very impatient creatures but the most important thing is they need time out of their cage and they need time with you too. Ferrets love playing, and in order to grow close with your Ferret they need to sped time with you. It is like an abandoned child.. They aren’t likely going to want to respect what you’re saying or listen to you, if they are left alone all the time. They need love, attention, and care just like anything else. They do not very much like being in a cage as it is, which is why, when I open it, I can bet my Ferrets will seize any opportunity that presents itself to get out. This can also help with the training process. If the Ferret is being naughty, you could put him/her back in the cage for a couple of minutes. They won’t like it very much but hopefully that would help keep them from repeating the naughty behavior. If the Ferret is new, you should let them spend some time exploring before you start playing with him/her. They will need time to adjust to the new surroundings. The change was probably very great and they are probably confused, but also very curious. They could have had a very long day, so it is best to give them some time to settle down."