Litter box training issues

Question
QUESTION: Hello! I have two male 4 year old ferrets, and while one immediately took to litter box training, four years later I am still struggling with the other. Moving food/bedding to his favorite pooping corner has not helped, he still poops in his food and bedding. Even immediately after I've cleaned the cage, he will still poop in that corner. Do you have any suggestions?

ANSWER: Dear Josie,
Thanks for your question.  I hope I can be of some help.  Unfortunately some ferrets are never litter trained.  But I do have a suggestion.  I have had some success by blocking the pooping corner with something round, like a large soda bottle filled about 1/3 with water.  Since ferrets like to poop in corners, the round area confuses them.  Make sure the bottle is stable and won't topple onto him.

It's worth a try, love.  I hope it works for you.  Let me know how it goes.

Warm Regards,
Janet


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I tried this but it doesn't seem to have worked. He just used the bathroom in front of it. He doesn't seem to have the preference for corners that my other one does. On more than one occasion I've seen him stop mid walk and use the bathroom right there, regardless of location (my bed, someone's lap, the carpet, his bed, etc). I'm having to clean the cage 3 to 4 times a day, and he hasn't seemed to have made any progress in the four years I've had him. I've lost over a thousand dollars in security deposits because of him, and I'm really at my wit's end.

Answer
Hello again, Josie,

So sorry, but like I said, some ferrets are just never litter trained.  We just have to love them the way they are and do the best we can to work around the problem.

He doesn't know, Sweetie, so don't be too hard on him.  I know where you're coming from because I've had to deal with the same problem.  Just keep on loving the little fuzzy in spite of his stubborn little soul.

Fond Regards,
Janet