From:
Ferret Wise Shelter
Date: 2003-11-24 22:40:42 UTC
Subject: Re: [ferrethealth] Aggressive ferret!!!
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-Id: <5.1.1.6.2.20031124173307.02499c20@mail.usaexpress.net>
Hi Ulrike-
We have had some hard cases like your guy here at Ferret Wise and did not
require gloved handling at all. It might sound odd but we do believe that
handling with gloves [prompts more biting behavior.. we operate on trust forst!
It took about 90 days for our worst case but it was a complete reversal
and he was adopted! The ferret was able to be calmed and tamed. Most of
this I believe, you will find is defensive behavior from his previous
Keeping, as well as fear of being moved into new surroundings. There is
great unhappiness and confusion in his behavior.
If he is not yet neutered, I suggest having the vet neuter him after
anesthesia ASAP. It does take up to 60 days for the hormonal edge to
complete but this will also make a great difference in the trigger response
to fear, etc.
As for the rest , he needs some EXTENDED RUN time -- and he needs to learn
you are not his enemy. Find a treat he likes ferretone., nutrical etc.,
and offer it as you try to take him out or put him back into the cage. I
think you will find with extended play times, and baited interactions you
will be able to accomplish a trust with him.
I would also not introduce a lot of new folks immediately- he will trust
one first and then others later-- the first challenge is letting him know
that you won';t mistreat him-- even after he bit you--
Best wishes, Wish I were closer to help. Feel free to email me off list if
you like.
Alicai at Ferret Wise
www.ferretwise.org