New Ferrets

Question
Hi,

I have recently acquired 2 jills, about 10 months old. I was assured that they were friendly and tame, but now that they're home.... that doesn't seem to be the case. I am assuming that they were very poorly handled and socialized because they seem to be terrified of everything - me included!!

They have already drawn blood twice! They seem fine if I pick them up from their cage, but if I try to return them to their cage or interact with them outside of the cage that's when they tend to bite. I understand that the "scruffing" technique is meant to be very effective, but they tend to bite and then run off so quickly that I can't even get to them to scruff them and am concerned that a giant human lunging for them will just increase their fear and worsen the biting.

I am desperate to have happy, settled and loving ferrets - please tell me what I can do to calm them down and stop the biting! Is there any hope for these little girls?

Thank you.

Answer
Hello Jennie,

My apologies for taking so long to respond.  It has been crazy here and I wanted to write a thorough reply.  

There are MANY theories on the best way to stop nipping.  Some people say time-outs are the best, while others say you should not scold the ferret at all.  There IS no right way.  It all depends on your ferrets, their reasons for biting and what works for them.  

Some ferrets have reasons for biting.  Some are abused (perhaps they were) or maybe they are terrified of their new surroundings and nipping out of fear.  These guys should not be punished if they bite out of fear.  In these situations scruffing or punishment will only make their reaction worse and escalate the situation.  

Since it seems to be a fear thing, the best thing you can do is give them time to adjust to their surroundings.  Do not make sudden movements, give them lots of treats, and speak to them in a very soft voice.  Sit in the room with them and read a book, or do something quietly and pay no attention to them.  That way, they will approach you and become more comfortable on their own terms.  Wear gloves if you have to, and shoes so you do not get bitten.  Also, if you do, it is best to not show a reaction since some ferrets make a game out of it.  Another important thing is to NOT put them down if they bite.  They will associate being put down with nipping, and will continue to do so.  Think form the ferret's perspective and never reward bad behavior!

Also, try putting a shirt or something that smells like you in their cage.  It can help them adjust a bit better if they are near something with your scent.  

Give these girls some time, and patience is the most important thing.  Let them learn to trust you and adjust to their new home.  It's a scary thing to suddenly find yourself in a new place with strange smells and huge people suddenly paying attention to you.  


Below are some links to more information you may find useful.  Every source will be a bit different and the important thing is to find a method that works for Squeak.

http://www.ferret-fact.org/BehBite.htm

http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/Lofts/1083/probhead.html

http://www.cypresskeep.com/Ferretfiles/Nipping.htm

http://www.nhahonline.com/ferretfacts.htm

http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=11&cat=1280&articleid=500

http://www.ohioferret.org/articles/docb.asp?d=13

http://ferretlover97.terrabox.com/todd-demon.html

http://ferretlover97.terrabox.com/jen.html

I hope this answer helps.  Biting is a difficult thing, and it will take time.  I have a reformed biter myself, so I know it can be done.  Hang in there!

-Cindy P.