cage rattler

Question
yes I have a 9 month old ferret named Jasper, know matter how long you let him out to play he always grabs hold of the cage with his teeth and pulls and yanks back and forth with his legs. I'm so afraid he's going to pull his teeth out plus it really weighs on your nerves after awhile cause he goes on for hours. help?


                  thank you

                         tammy

Answer
Hello Tammy,
Cage rattling most of the time is due to boredom. Most often I see it with ferrets that were given a lot of attention when they were very young, and now, they have developed this attention seeking behavior that is usually controllable.
The best way you can deal with this behavior is first eliminate that it may be due to a physical need, i.e., check the water, and food, and make sure your fuzzy doesn't have any health issue i.e.: tooth abscess, or tummy ache.
When you have determined that he has none of these, make his cage a more interesting, fun place to be. hang tubes, hammocks, bags.
PVC pipes or commercial ferret tubes are usually a big hit.
Hanging parrot toys (usually made with wood, heavy ropes, bells, etc.) are an interesting addition to the cage.
Rattles, teething rings and other small hard plastic toys made for human babies.

Soft cloth bags for hiding and sleeping in -- you can even get some that have a layer of crinkly material inside that makes them extra interesting to ferrets.
Play tents or houses (several varieties of play tents and houses are available from The Ferret Store).

  Also, you may consider getting a bigger cage if the one he is in now is cramped. Ferrets should be housed in cages that are two stories. they need room in their cages to play, and nap and eat etc. A one story cage for a ferret is like locking you in your bedroom. eventually you would get very bored. Also, put your fuzzy to bed, and leave the room. Cage rattling usually occurs when the ferret can still see you, or see whats going on outside the cage, and wants out. Put him to bed, and turn down the lights, to faciltate sleep, and leave the room.
Try all these ideas, I think it will help. And also take heart. Ferrets, just like children, go thru a "terrible two's" behavior between the ages of 7 months to a year old, and they become basically little brats. They DO grow out of it, it is just the growing process. But during this time you will see slight personality changes like they aren't as affectionate, they are more defiant etc.
It is very normal.
Good luck, and I hope this helps. Please keep me posted!
amy