At 3:00 AM -0500 10/30/01, Automatic digest processor wrote:
>I was wondering if anyone had some advice on training a 7 week old not to
>nip or bite.  I have been doing the holding the scruff thing and saying no
>but it seems to not be working so well.  Any advice would be appreciated.
>I just want to make sure I am doing the right thing.
 
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In 19 years with ferrets we've found that the single best way to have
ferrets who have the best mouth manners in the area and who also retain
full trust for their people is to use short times-out (esp important for
kits to young adults since they get over-wound for short periods, or can
sometimes become overly-tired and in need of nap but don't recognize it --
same as little human kids).  If you don't have a cage or if your cage is
too much fun for the little one use a carry cage.  When you think that the
little one may be sleepy-grumpy, using the large cage makes more sense
since naps take a while, but if you have a free-roamer in a ferret-proofed
area then either make essentials available in the carry cage (litter pot,
food, water, bedding such a snuggly t-shirt), or open the cage quietly
once the ferret is deeply enough asleep.  Repeat promptly as often as
needed.  It's easy and it works well, plus the critters retain total trust
for you so when a medical need comes up you can do the many things that
are needed while the ferret retains trust for you.  It's sort of the
ferret version of "Go to room." or "Stand in a corner." -- a peaceful way
to show them to peaceful both by example.  Meanwhile, because they get
bored silly for a short time if wakeful (They hate being bored.) once
they catch on they increasingly avoid the behavior that get them in
trouble until they finally stop those actions.  Alternatively, if all
that is needed is a nap then they are able to get their rest and behave
better afterward rather than suffering for being tired but too little to
recognize it.  They do learn that our skin in thinner than it is for the
their litter mates, the same as kittens and puppies do -- just takes a
little while for any of them, that's all.  Scruffing and saying "No!" or
hissing is fine, too.  It's what they naturally respond to.  ------
 
If anyone who doesn't know Kim misunderstood what i said yesterday here
are some important notes: Kim has a job, Kim is due to have a baby, Kim
has her own domesticated critters including ferrets and miniature horses,
Kim has a ferret shelter, Kim has a wild and exotic animal "zoo" which is
more of resting place for unusual animals that often are destroyed if a
state-approved home can't be found -- including a cougar, alligator, and
more, and like any of us who have worked with wild animals she has taken
injuries at times.  So, obviously the comments about wild or dangerous
animals applied to... (Heck, you all get it, so I won't insult your
intelligence by saying more.) It just did not strike me until I read it
that there are always a few folks who don't read each day so would have
missed Kim's post or not know her, or may be some newcomers who mistakenly
think that I deemed ferrets "wild" when they have been domesticated for
over 2,500 years (Ancient Romans and perhaps Ancient Greeks -- not
Egyptians).  Kim is a fine soul, but she might be in danger of working
herself to ribbons.  I think that when Kim said "zoo" some may not at all
have realized that she meant that literally, with over a 100 animals, many
of which are wild ones.  (There is a LOT of work in dealing with wild
animals and distractions with some of them are not safe; been there.)
Sure, kids can be around a lot of critters as long as any health concerns
are addressed (which Kim and hubby would do -- no question about that).
 
I think the biggest danger is that you might try to do more than you
can and still retain your health, Kim.
[Posted in FML issue 3587]