Dear Michelle,
 
I too have a ferret in need of a ferret whisperer.  My Oracle is a
Marshall's Petco baby with some behaviorial issues that have been with
her since she came to the store as a kit.  I was in charge of the ferret
care, so I knew her from the second she came through the door.  She has
a biting problem.  I am a firm believer that no ferret is a malicious
biter, and that people make mean ferrets.  Well, Oracle came through the
gate with a chomp that can give a black and blue wristband before you
even see it coming.  She has an anxiety disorder, and I used to enmploy
some natural remedies to calm her down.  When I first brought her home,
she would stand in the middle of the floor and shake with a deer in the
headlights look.  Love and veterinary assistance helped her lead a more
ferrety life.  She is also cared of heights.  I have to hold her with
my arm supporting her undersie, and she is terrified when I scruff her
unsupported.  But these nuances I knew when I bought her.
 
Lately, her biting has become more vehement than before.  She has lived
in several resdences, and life challenges forced her to be boarded with
ferret savvy friends for about two years of her life, but I have never
denied her love, attention, healthcare, or good food and treats.  She
has a good life.  But she chomps down so hard, and then grabs and shakes
my wrist, like she is killing an animal.  I can tell it's not malicious
because she dooks and rolls and comes back for more everyday.  Sometimes,
I block out the pain and let her drag my arm to see if maybe she wants to
take me somewhere.  This seems to be closer to the truth.  She'll try to
drag me under the sofa, bed, tv stand, etc.  I think it frustrates her
that I can't come play in her secret lairs.
 
Oracle is a stash and cache ferret.  I'm thinking that her behavior stems
around a few possibilities:
 
1. I am her toy, and she wants to put me away.
2. I am her subordinate, and she is trying to show her dominance
3. I am not playing fair with her and she is trying to teach me fair play
4. She is scared/ hurt/ angry, but the cause continues to elude me
 
Before anyone responds with discipline methods, let me tell you I've
tried them all.  I try ignoring her, and this results in more black and
blues.  I scruff her, hold her still in my arms, and hiss at her, telling
her no sharply.  I try to kill her with kindness, giving her extra
attention and love.  I try time-outs (not effective).  She has been to
the vet and has no visible health problems.  She is hefty, healthy, and
STRONG!!!  She is fed top of the line food, receives regular
vaccinations, gets treated with frontline for fleas, and gets hours out
of her cage daily.  Any ideas fellow fmlers?  help me and Michelle out.
 
Sincerly, Sara Gennusa and the Fuzzy Four
 
P.S.  To see pictures of Oracle and my other wayward fuzzies, check out
my website:
http://www.myspace.com/funkyferretz
[Posted in FML issue 5222]