Ferrets chewing

Question
QUESTION: We have 3 ferrets, recently losing a ferret and acquiring another. One of our older ones used to chew on the furniture periodically, is now obsessed with chewing. We have tried scruffing and spray bottles but neither work.  We have had ferrets as pets on and off for the past 18 years and this is the first time I have seen this behavior. Any suggestions?
         
         Thanks,
         Karen

ANSWER: Hello Karen,

Wow, I have not heard of his behavior in ferrets, but it is common in horses.  Behaviors like this are VERY difficult to stop, so the best we can hope for is he will return to normal or a manageable level in time.  There are entire areas of veterinary study devoted to the field of behavioral science, but so far little is known about what actually causes it.  It is generally thought that stress is a major reason, and by decreasing the stress the problem may be solved.  

The chewing or ingestion of substances other than food is called "pica" (pronounced pike-ah). If an animal is prone to an odd behavior, periods of stress (such as loosing a fellow ferret or adding one) can cause the behavior to escalate.  There is undoubtedly a correlation between the behavior and the recent stress, since the symptoms started with the loss/introduction of a new ferret.    

The best thing to do is either remove the items all-together, decrease the stress or both. You can try to lessen interaction the newcomer and gradually re-introduce them.  Also, try to remove any "chewable" furniture.  If this is not possible, create a barrier with access to only part of the room or you can try somewhere with less furniture such as a bathroom.  Letting him chew on the wood will not only cause dental problems but possibly a blockage if too much is ingested or toxicity from the varnish.

This is a tough if not impossible thing to "fix", so it is best to try and get the behavior back to manageable levels by decreasing the stress as much as possible and limiting access to furniture in the meantime.  Hopefully over the next couple of weeks he will be acting more normal.  

-Cindy P.  



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

QUESTION: He is chewing more on the fabric than anything else. Could there be something wrong with his teeth or gums that might cause this? We had their teeth cleaned about a year ago but the total was outrageous. ($424 for3).

Thanks,
Karen

Answer
It sounds like him problem is entirely behavioral and related to the recent stress, but it wouldn't be a bad idea to have him checked by your vet just in case.  You can also take a quick peek into his mouth to see if you notice anything obvious.  I had a ferret that chewed fabric when he was teething, so if his teeth hurt maybe that is how he copes.  Luckily my guy outgrew the habit when his permanent teeth finished growing.   

Surprisingly that is not a bad bill for three dentals. The anesthesia is what is most expensive.  

-Cindy P.