Ferrets & Strangers

Question
Hello again! Thank you so much for answering my other questions! :D I have another if you don't mind. My 4 mo. old ferret is very sweet and gives kisses, even when we first got him. He doesn't bite any of my family ever, and I would be shocked if he ever bit anyone. I'm just wondering if a mellow ferret would be the same with everyone or are there cases where very sweet ferrets are just freaked out by certain people and might bite?  The reason I ask is that we have neighbors who have asked if their children can pet him and I allowed it once, but I held Puppy so they could pet his body and not near his face, just in case.  What do you think?  And thanks again!

Answer
Hello Beckie!  :-)

The rule of thumb to follow with all pets is : anything with a mouth can bite.  You've done well assisting the little ones with Puppy.

I take my big boy out on a harness for a walk a few times per week, and I get a slew of visitors each time I do it. I do allow them to pet him (he is very mellow as well), but only if I am holding him and directing their hands away from his face.  

Its natural to think "meh, it'll be fine, Puppy is a good boy, he wouldn't bite".  But you never know - maybe the child accidentally pinches or hurts Puppy and gets nipped.  We don't want ANYONE hurt when we share our pets, neither ferret or child.  So its always a great idea to help them pet.

Yes, even sweet ferrets can get spooked by things.  My big boy didn't nip when a child pulled his tail, but he DID nip when a lady tried to pick him up (he smelled her dog - he's hated dogs since he was attacked by a stray two years ago).  So you never know - a quick movement, a smell, an energy - anything could cause fear or anxiety in a ferret.

So stay on the safe side and help the tykes pet!  Sharing our ferrets can be a truly magical experience for everyone when we follow basic safety procedures.

Stephenie