From:
Angela Espinet
Date: 2002-06-26 22:43:00 UTC
Subject: Re: Very nippy boy!!!
Hello Sandra,
Sounds as if you have your hands full! The fact
that the ferret stayed alone for so long in the fish
tank is part of the problem, he really never had
chance to go through the 'natural socialization
period' that is built in between 7-9 weeks of age!
He is having problems with the other animals and
humans, as all actions in a ferret are governed by
'predatory' behaviour and since he didn't have his
siblings to practice 'killing his prey' with, he now
is practicing on everyone else!
He will need to be shown very calmly and kindly
that his behaviour is not acceptable and he DEFINITELY
needs to be removed from a public place, before he
bites someone really hard! This is the reason that
ferrets get a bad name, plus some unsuspecting soul
may turn him in as a 'rabid' creature, because he bit
them! So to protect him, keep him at home!
Now, he has probably been scared to death of
people all this time, so it will take a lot of
understanding and patience to 'humanize' him! Why not
try sitting on the floor with him, just you and him
alone, and let him crawl all over you, distracting him
with toys when neccessary!
He will learn quickly to trust YOU and each day he
will look forward to the time you spend 'one on one'
with him! Cuddle him when he first wakes up and speak
to him soothingly and eventually he will be just as
gentle as all the other ferrets!
It is not wise to let him interact with the other
animals at this time, as it encourages him to fight to
find his place, he needs to be accepted, by you first,
then in time the others! If they do accidently meet
and start to fight, then you must break it up, as it
can be extremely stressful for all involved!
If you feel that this is too much of a challenge
for you, then try calling a FERRET RESCUE OR SHELTER
in your area and perhaps someone will be able to help
you with the training! They may also be able to
pinpoint a health problem, such as deafness or
blindness, as both of these infirmities will cause
this kind of aggresiveness and the ferret will need
VERY SPECIAL CARE! Hope this helps---Angela.
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