In regards to the discussion by Daisy Lyn concerning biting and
chewing, I wasn't sure Daisy if you were referring to my past comments
on the subject. However, I agree with the fact that ferrets need to be
disciplined to not nip or bite, but I have to disagree on the method.
Sometimes flicking or bopping on the nose and a little spank on the rear
does not accomplish anything with some ferrets.  As I have said in the past
my first ferret Hun-Hun would nip me on the arm. This was when I first
got him. The bopping on the nose helped somewhat, but what really helped
was time,patience and love. As he became more familiar with me and
was use to being handled he ceased to bite. When I introduced him to
strangers in the park when we went for our walks, it was only after he
was completely "tame" and I was sure he wouldn't nip.
     My current babies are another story. Teebone rarely ever nips if at
all. He was pretty fiesty as a baby but with getting use to me and being
handled he only nips if he rough-plays and then I bop him and give him
space to cool down. Here is my main point about different techniques with
different ferrts....Weezul is a rather difficult ferret. He will nip
and in the past I tried the usual methods but he just fought back harder.
Nothing seemed to work except putting him back in his confined area.
Since I have been spending more time with him, handling him and giving
him a special treat of Linatone he has calmed down alot.
    So in conclusion, the point I am trying to make is that not all
ferrets respond to the flicking,thumping, bopping on the nose and spanking
on the behind method. I believe the ferret needs to get to know their
owner and get use to being handled with gentleness and love and the
owner will be rewarded in time with obedience and love also. I also
believe the ferret should not be allowed around other people until it
has learned not to bite. It is up to the wise choice of the owner
who knows their ferret as to what method will work. As in the case of
Weezul, the "no hit policy" works.
 
                                        Judy, Weezul and Teebone.
 
[Posted in FML issue 0649]