A Biting Ferret

Question
Hello,

I am having a great deal of trouble with a ferret of mine. He name is Anya and
I would say she is between 1 and 1/12 years old now. I had two other ferrets
prior to getting Anya and I have had so much fun with them I had to add one
more to the group. I found Anya at a local pet store. She had been in the pet
store for at least 4 months before I purchased her. I had had my eye on her
and I could not stand letting her waste away in that tiny cage. So I got her
home and the first thing i noticed was that she did not get along well with my
two other ferrets. I actually thought I was going to have to take her back but
they all eventually got along together just fine. But the reason I am writing to
you is because she has a biting problem like none that I have seen before.
The bite is very hard and usually draws blood. The bite can happen when she
is playing but normally when I pick he up or attempt to pick her up. Also she
licks before she bites, not always but she dose. I have tried all the methods of
stopping the biting. I have used the bitter apple, i have hissed, scruffed,
firmly said no, flicked her nose, i have tried very hard to hold her to convince
her that hands are not bad but nothing seems to work. I have tried to stick my
finger in her mouth when she bites but she just bites my finger even harder.
No one wants to be around when she is out and I don't blame them. I have
even considered taking her to a shelter but I just don't feel right about that. I
mean I have committed to take care of and love this little creature so I cant
bring my self to get rid of her, it just would not be fair. But she is taking all of
the fun out of owning ferrets. Expecilly since my other two are compleat
Angles, haha and angelic ferret funny right!. So if you have any insight as to
why my ferret is biting and how to stop it I would be very very grateful!

Thank you for your time and expertise,

Timo

Answer
Although your ferret is no longer a kit, she is probably not used to people touching her.  I am sure at th pet store, people poked at her and generally hands were not the best thing in the world.  
Time outs, scruffing, and tapping on the nose are generally not effective with biting ferrets.  She is biting because she doesn't know or trust you and by hitting her or giving into her and putting her down when she bites is only reinforcing the biting.  Either she learnes to distrust your hands or she learns that biting gets her what she wants.
I recommend yelping very loudly when she bites.  If she bites you, don't give in.  Wait for her to give up, then continue to play or work with her.  Ex: if you pick her up and she bites you, don't put her down until she stops.  If you reach into the cage and she bites, don't move your hand until she stops.  I know it can hurt a bit, but as soon as you pull away, it is like saying "game on" and now she wants to chase.  I certainly wouldn't stick my finger in her mouth!  Offer her treats and make sure she know you are about to pick her us as I imagine suddenly being lifted off your feet wouldn't make me happy either.
Make sure she is getting enough enrichment and exercise too since too much stored energy may be leading to the biting. Above all, be patient with her.  She may want to play, but is learning how
to play with a human and not another ferret!  With love, patience, and