Ferret Attack

Question
Hi,
I recently brought an 8 month old female ferret.
She was fine for the first couple of days but after that she has began biting and not letting go. She has been hanging on so tight that i have tears rolling down my face and have even required stitches. When we finally get her off, we put her back in the cage and walk away but it doesnt seem to be working.
I dont want to give up on her.
Please any help would be appreciated!


Answer
Hi Kirstie,

First you should know that ferret skin is very, very tough so when they bite you they do not know that your skin is not also tough! When ferrets play together they play hard and do not hurt one another so you need to teach him that he cannot play with you that roughly.

You can try several things:
1. When she bites you, squeal or yell (like it hurts) to let her know it's not okay.

2. When she bites, scruff her and yell no! in a sharp voice.

3. Spray "bitter apple" spray on your hands so when she bites it tastes bad.

Never ever hit or "thump" her when she bites. Some people advocate that but it only teaches her that you will hurt her. Even though she is hurting you, she is not doing it on purpose to spite you but you hitting her would be on purpose.

I have had alot of success with the "yelping like it hurts" method so try that first and keep at it -- trying it once and giving up won't help. Also the bitter apple spray can be very effective.

Good luck!

Sincerely,
Adrienne Mortimer