From:
"Kim"
Date: 2008-10-29 17:38:06 UTC
Subject: [ferrethealth] Re: New Ferret Issues
To: ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com
Firstly, congratulations on opening your home to two needy ferrets.
There are so many throw away ferrets in the world and offering a place
for them is to be commended.
It would be a wonderful world indeed if all adoptees/rescues were
always lovable and cuddle-bugs. I adopted a very serious biter in May
'08 (Roman) he is a Path Valley ferret, which are reported to be moer
fiesty and opinionated than Marshall's ferrets as a rule. Roman didn't
get his name until he came to me and he got his because of his huge
size and penchant for drawing blood - gladiator fashion!
The first night he latched onto my nose, piercing both nostrils AND
the septum! Two nights later he did a sneak attack as I snoozed on the
sofa and latched onto my eyebrow! Piercing it neatly as he dangled
from my face!
I can only imagine what he had been through to cause him to take such
an offensive stand. He was supposed to only be 5 to 6 months old at
the time! The breeder he came from actually recommends "pinging the
nose" to 'discipline" a biter.
Personally I think that is TOTALLY wrong and only serves to either
scare or infuriate the ferret.
Roman didn't just nip - he bit to the bone and did on numerous
occasions! Once biting through a vein in my hand causing a huge
hemotoma! I handled him with gloves for several weeks, just to get him
used to actually being handled! Still there were several times when he
actually bit through the gloves as well as through my skin! Roman is
an exceptionally large ferret and has massive jaws.
I tried the scruff and drag, time outs and they didn't get quite the
settling response I wanted, often he would just attempt another
retaliation as soon as I let go of his scruff.
What helped him make the most progress was liberal use of treats (
pieces of chicken or turkey heart), butter or mayonnaise smeared on my
fingers that he needed to lick off.
As his nose, teeth and tongue were engaged with the treats I would
touch him; starting at his tail, then slowly day by day work up
towards his shoulders and finally his head. Once he stopped trying to
avoid my touch or snap at me, I progressed to gently lifting his hind
end , then his belly; eventually lifting him off the ground in order
to continue his treats.
I also allow him free roam 24/7; which IMO offers the ferret peace of
mind and the ability to express themselves as they choose.
Their natural diet also offers an outlet for their innate need to
chew, bite and rend - so that has helped tremendously.
Its only been 5 months and Roman will let me pick him up (with a treat
still handy) or he'll lay across my feet and let me stroke him while
he dozes. He comes of his own accord to offer me kisses ( on the lips)
and I feel that he at least recognizes that I will not hurt him.
Going to the vet may be a different story.
HOpe you can work your new kids through their troubles. It just takes
lots of patience and understanding.
Cheers,
Kim
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