Nipping and bitting

Question
Hi, I purchased a ferret about 2 months ago, and I love it, I got him litter box trained, but I cannot stop with the nipping and bitting, I have been trying everything that the books say, please let me know how to stop with the nipping and bitting.
Thank you

Answer
Hello maria,
Thank you for your question.
Congrats on your new ferret. Nipping is the most common problem with young ferrets (other than litter training them, so you are ahead of the game!).
Your ferret is showing typical  behavior. They  test their boundaries with you by nipping at your fingers etc. He is playing but nipping is not to be tolerated. It is the same as a puppy nipping, if uncorrected, will turn to biting. Nipping is an extremely common behavior among baby ferrets, and usually can be corrected.  I have a couple of suggestions:
Buy "BITTER APPLE" OR
"BITTER LIME" spray at your local petstore. This comes in a green/white bottle, and is probably in the "dog training" section, as it is also used to keep dogs from chewing.

Spray it on your hands and fingers, and let it dry. When he bites you stick you finger in her mouth, and say "NO BITE!!!" ( Say it FIRMLY) ... he will get a couple of tastes of the bitter, and a couple of head shakes and he will think twice. Keep this up every day until he turns away when you offer your finger, then PRAISE :
"GOOD BOY!!!"
(Also, use this spray when you play with him, or "wrestle" with him ... do not allow biting even in play)

Play with him, wrestle, and  if he bites, stop the play immediately, and say "NO BITE!"and start the process over.
Ferrets are very intelligent animals, and he should learn quickly with patience.
PS ~ make sure you wash you hands after, because it can stay on your hands, and get in your eyes if you rub your eyes etc.
You can also use bitter apple on your toes too, for toe nippers. Don't spray it at or on your ferret.
good luck, and have fun with your new pet!~
Amy