From:
DonRull@aol.com
Date: 2003-07-09 14:16:32 UTC
Subject: Re: [ferrethealth] How do I train my biting ferret?
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <2b.43c5424f.2c3d7dc0@aol.com>
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Our two ferrets were removed from an abusive home by the SPCA. They were
horrible biters at first. The fact that the people at your shelter were able to
curb some of this behavior is amazing as it seems that the whole shelter
experience simply terrified our boys even more.
One of our ferrets was very similar to your tough guy. It took about three
months to get to the point where he would not bite all the time. Even today,
after several years of constant gentle handling, he can still bite if he gets
too excited or is surprised by an approach...although he has not actually
broken skin in years now.
It will take some time, but your ferrets will start to love you and not bite
you so much. In the meantime, having hands that look like hamburger may be
part of the process.
I would recommend you get some bitter apple or something similar that they
hate the taste of to spray on your exposed areas (mainly hands) to curb their
initial response to bite. But do not use this for too long as it may curb them
from coming to you as easily.
Besides that, just make sure you approach them without quick movements or by
doing anything else that will startle them.
Also, be aware that aggressive behavior in ferrets could be a sign of a
medical condition. If you have not already had them into a vet, they should have a
complete exam by a KNOWLEDGEABLE vet.
Finally, my Timon was so frightened that scruffing would not even work on
him. Also, do not try to physically punish your guys in any way as this will
only make them worse. The way to your ferrets hearts will be through TLC and
ferretone!
Hope this helps some. Take it from an experienced home...they will love you!
Don
In a message dated 7/9/2003 7:39:16 AM Eastern Daylight Time,
sweetest_honey@hotmail.com writes:
I adopted 2 ferrets a few days ago. They are both about 14 months old and not
taken care of properly while with previous owners. The larger male, Oswald,
is a BAD bitter. He actually breaks skin every time he bites. You can't have
flesh around him in any way...otherwise you'll get it!! I can't pick him up
unless I have ferretvite in his face and he does not scare easily. He will actully
walk toward you with the intention to bite you. Lewis also had this
habbit...although not as bad and the habbit is almost all broken {thanx to the women at
the shelter}. He only bites hard when he is excited. PLEASE help!!!! I want
to love and care for these guys the way I do the other 3! Oswald is making
things difficult and I really need help. Please let me know of any suggestions you
may have, Thanx!
~*Angie*~
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