From:
brettm@uga.edu
Date: 2006-02-08 15:22:48 UTC
Subject: [ferrethealth] RE: Sudden behaviour change
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Author wrote:
> She then took one finger crosswise in her mouth with her canines beyond the finger, she bit down really hard and started to move backwards towards the floor and pull my hand until she was hanging down by her teeth.
It sounds to me like she was trying to drag you off to her hiding place, not trying to do you any harm. The first time this happened to me, I had offered the fuzzy some peanut butter on my index finger. She took a couple of licks, then suddenly clamped down as you describe and started trying to pull me toward the nest box where she stashed food and toys. The grip was somewhat painful, but never broke the skin -- and you KNOW they can bite your finger to the bone if they want to hurt you! She just wanted to "save me for later". B-) I simply had to learn to offer such treats on a plastic spoon or a popsickle stick, rather than my finger.
I don't think this is an indication that you violated her feelings of possession over something. She probably hissed out of frustration that she couldn't get you where she wanted you, not because she was mad at you. They never seem to consider the weight of whatever it is they want to move, but just keep at it. I think they're related to the ants who don't know they can't move that rubber tree plant.
I don't know why the behavior continued after you washed your hands, unless you didn't get all the attractive smell off. Or, maybe she already had her mind fixed on the idea, and it no longer mattered if you still smelled.
As always, just my opinion and the milage of others may vary.
> My home is ferret proof - my heart is not.
I love this tagline! Consider it stolen for my collection.
Brett
*SLMW 1.0* Ferrets reproduce faster than any other neutered animal.
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