Alinda:
I'm Troy Lynn Eckart with Ferret Family Services in Kansas and I work
with ferret behavior modification and in particular, bite cases.
The majority of cases I see are ferret-owner problems.  I don't
recommend thumping on the nose (this area is very sensitive) as I
compare it to slapping a baby across the face.  The worst biting
cases I've seen were related to this type of discipline and uninformed
backyard breeders that rarely handle the babies.  I've never used this
type of discipline in the 9 years I've worked with ferrets.  New owners
aren't always aware that all baby ferrets go through a nippy stage
(a.k.a. alligator jaws or crocodile teeth stage!) and must be gently
taught that this behavior is unacceptable for the ferrets safety.
Ferret skin is very tough and when playing with another ferret (as
babies do) they tend to bite hard.  We, of course, have sensitive flesh
and when they apply the same pressure to us, it hurts and sometimes
breaks the skin but this isn't done intentionally.  There is a
difference between biting and nipping.  I don't use gloves in my
training as I cannot feel how hard the ferret may bite.  Relating
picking up with an enjoyable experience such as Linatone, Ferretone,
or some other treat and using bitter apple on your hands should help,
but patience and perhaps a different type of discipline will also help.
One case I handled last year was a little 12 week old silver mitt female
that had been disciplined with the thump on the nose, unfortunately she
was thumped hard every time she bit and related the hands of her owners
to the pain and wouldn't allow them to get near her.  It took 3 weeks
of constant handling, comforting and treats (bandaids too!) along with
a different disciplinary tactic to modify her behavior.  Instead of
thumping, I used a loud squeal, squeak or no and if she still applied
pressure, a gentle swat on the rump, and if she didn't let go I gently
inserted my finger in her mouth and pulled whatever body part she had
clamped onto out.  I would also gently hold her teeth with my fingers
so she could not bite down.  All discipline is gentle, yet firm.  By
the time Baby went home (6 weeks later), she was so gently you could
put her up to your face for kisses.  Of course I have other ferrets
that assist in the socialization process.  How would you stop a puppy
or kitten from biting?  Think about it.  Also, has Oscar been to the vet
to check if anything is wrong? (NOTE: Ferret Friendly Vet in case he
bites)  Has he fallen or gotten caught in something that make him
sensitive to handling?  Hope this info helps.
Troy Lynn Eckart, F.B.S.
 
In Response to Odds & Ends:
Zipper, Poto, Ferry, and Sabie's experiences reveal that young children
love to handle little fuzzies and usually get a little hyper.  I bring
a halter and leash and allow the ferrets to walk the children around
the classroom, along with linatone (or dried pinapple or banana) for
the children to give them, in moderation of course.  I also bring as
many adults to supervise as I have ferrets.  That way everyone is
watched.  I've found the younger children aren't interested in what you
have to say, only the fuzzies.  Handouts should have lots of pictures
and enough easy-to-read info that make parens take notice.  Short
ferrt stories are excellent because the parents will read the stories
to the children, making the children and adults more informed about
our wonderful fuzzies.  Make sure your ferrets are vaccinated and
they don't nip.  Know your city, county, state requirements if a
ferret bites.  best wishes.  TLE and the MAFIA (Midwest Area Ferret
Informational Activities) Group.
P.S.  As soon as my computer is networked I'll have my own useid.
 
[Posted in FML issue 0805]