cage stress?

Question
Hello!! lately my little guy(16 weeks old) started chewing on his cage, pacing back and forth, and digging in his cage- all signs of cage stress. his cage is 2x3x4  and has 4 levels of slides, tubes and toys to play with. he gets about 3 hours of exercise a day and has access to food 24/7 along with a few treats a day. he chewed through his first two hammocks i bought so i think it's pointless to waste more money because I'm sure he'll just do it again. however, i did order him a krackle tunnel and play tent so hopefully these will help, but if not what can i do?? He keeps me up at night and i just can't take it anymore. I love him to death and the last thing i wanna do is get rid of him, but my patience is wearing thin. any advice???

Answer
Hello Jeff!  It seems like you are giving your little guy enough play time, so stimulation is not the problem.  Being a youngster, he has boundless energy and much like a child he dislikes being told to go to bed!  The key to this behavior is conditioning.  You have probably heard the term "positive reinforcement" if you have ever had an interest in animal training or psychology.  It is rewarding positive behavior with treats, so that the animal (or person!) associates that good behavior with a reward.  Really, it can work wonders.

The most important thing to remember is NOT to reinforce negative behavior.  This might be more difficult than you think!!  Remember, Your ferret wants attention!  Even a scolding or a harsh tone IS attention, and a reason to reinforce even bad actions.  The best thing you could do is ignore him and cover his cage with a blanket so he cannot see you.  It might take time, but he will eventually get bored of his tantrum and go to sleep.  DO NOT give in and hold him until he exhibits good behavior.  Otherwise only the bad will continue!  

Reward the good behavior.  Walk into the room and observe his reaction.  Does he immediately throw another tantrum if you leave?  Do not pick him up, since that is what he wants.  If he throws a fit, leave the room once again until he settles down (about a half hour).  Upon your return, if he does not beg for attention, reward him with a treat.  If he does, leave the room and try again. The important thing is not to act like you are watching him.  Pretend as if you do not care!!  

Once this is accomplished move to the next step.  Practice removing him from his cage, playing with him for 10 minutes, and then placing him back into the cage and walk away.  If he throws a fit at this point, leave the room for awhile until he settles down and try again in another half hour.  This process WILL take time, perhaps weeks, but with diligence you can train him.  Remember to reward only the good behavior and DO NOT reinforce the bad!  

I hope this advice helps.  Training a ferret is a lot like kennel training a puppy.  It takes time, patience and work!

-Cindy P.