My ferret stopped using his litter box!

Question
I recently bought my little ferret who is about 10 weeks old, about a month ago. At first he used his litter box all the time! But now he wont use it at all, which is quite frustrating. I haven't changed anything since I got him... he eats the same food and gets plenty of fresh water daily. At first he would go around the litter box, then in the opposite corner (next to the litter box). I've tried putting blankets he slept with in the corner and even putting food there but he still uses the bathroom there. Now he won't go in the litter box at all. So I put another litter box in that corner, but instead of using the bathroom, he'll play in it. It almost seems as if he's scared of going in the box. I always cleaned the litter box atleast twice a day. I am completely at my wits end.. what should I do??

Answer
Hello Antonette,

Litter training a ferret can be difficult.  He is probably getting lazy now that he has settled into his new home.  The best way is to reinforce good behavior.  Before you let him out to play, place him in the litter box.  He will undoubtedly try to get out, but keep putting him back in until he goes.  Once he does, reward him with praise and a treat.  Keep this up until he uses the box consistently.

Once he has gone to the bathroom, you should be good for another 4-6 hours before the next one.  

Never scold him for accidents you have not seen him do!  If he is not reprimanded withing 30 seconds after the event, he will not link the punishment to the accident. ONLY scold him if you catch him in the act.  

Clean any soiled areas with pet safe cleaner.  (never use Lysol or any harsh home cleaning product.  These are VERY dangerous!!)  He may be smelling his waste in those areas which could cause a repeat in the behavior.  I recammend Nature's Miracle.  It is pet-safe and uses enzymes to eliminate the odors.  There is a ferret specific one, but I think it is pretty much the same as the multi-purpose pet version.  It is available in most pet stores.  

http://www.naturemakesitwork.com/home/index.php

One thing you might want to do is try to keep his litter box a little less clean.  (I know this sounds weird!)  Ferrets are clean animals and WILL not play in material they have soiled.  If he has already used the litter, he is MUCH less likely to play in it.  While I applaud you for keeping his box so clean, it is not necessary to change it twice daily for one ferret.  You will know when it is time =)

Another option is to use newspaper instead of litter.  This is less fun to play in.  You can fold it to the size of the box and it is very absorbent, though not quite as good as litter.  At least it will prevent any mess from playing!!

Also, make sure you are using ferret friendly litter.  Do not use clay based cat products since it has too much dust and can cause serious upper respiratory problems.  Also, do not use ANY wood chips.  Some of these can contain toxic oils.  Also, do NOT use care fresh.  Some ferrets find this fun to eat and can easily become obstructed.  My favorite product is yesterday's news.  It is safe, absorbent and virtually dust free.  It can be found in nearly any pet store in the cat litter isle.    

Http://www.yesterdaysnews.com

I hope this helps answer your question!  Please let me know if I can help in any other way!

-Cindy P.