From:
KittyDoc2@aol.com
Date: 2002-08-07 23:36:51 UTC
Subject: My little biter
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <93.2148fe56.2a830913@aol.com>
Thanks to all who sent advice regarding my biter, Ricky.
Ricky was a marshalls baby who was left alone - with no handling - in a small
aquarium for 7 weeks before I took him. He appears to be deaf (white blaze,
fierce duk-duker!) and was quite a biter when I took him.
In the 6-8 weeks since my post, Ricky has made a lot of improvement. He
lives with only 1 other pal (was with 4 of mine) - and has a lot of private
play time. He has developed some nice manners - but I have created another
problem! One way I avoided getting bitten was to pick him up every time he
approached me (or prepared to launch at my legs) and offer a treat. Now he is
my little shadow, and will not leave my side. Literally! He even comes into
the shower with me.
However - I have 2 worries. First, he is still not a normal ferret - he
seems to think he is human. He only plays with me, follows me everywhere,
and shows little interest in normal ferret things. He still visciously bites
other people. How do I "teach" him to be a ferret and not a person? I
realize he may never be trustworthy with others, however.
Second - if I do not pay attention immediately upon request (for example, I
am washing dishes and need to dry my hands before picking him up and giving a
treat or putting him on the counter to "help") -- he will bite HARD. Is it
possible to teach him patience? I feel like I have created a spoiled brat!
And when he comes, bulldog plants his feet and looks up at me, I move --
because he will draw blood!
So - we are doing well --- but seem to have reached a hurdle that I can't
seem to cross. Any advice?
Thanks
-Sandra