Hi,
I've been 'lurking' as the term goes for awhile now and finally decided to
enter in.
The introductions being a standard here goes:  I am owned by 8 ferrets (7
females and one happy male) all under 2 years of age.  5 are MF and 3 are
not.  I also live with two 12 year old cats that became kittens when the
ferrets first showed up and haven't resorted back to the old ways yet.  Some
of you will notice that I post anonymously....you're right I live in the
biggest and nastiest FFZ around.  Hopefully '95 will change that.
 
To Kathy Robson:
I have a suggestion that might make the nail cutting sessions a little easier.
And this works with every ferret I've come across and that is considerable
with all the rescues I've assisted on.  Ferrets adore Ferratone/Linatone.  Sit
with your ferret in your lap on his/her back.  Put 3-4 squirts (this is why
mine only get ferratone on nail days) on their tummy.  They may initially
squirm as it might be cold but redirect their nose for the wet spot and
they'll be so pre-occupied with the ferratone that nail clipping is a cinch.
Getting a kit to cooperate is more difficult but can be done.  Even the most
active one by 4 mons calms down long enough for 20 nails to be clipped with
this method. Non-dairy Cool whip works too.  This also works for weighing
them at the vets.... Unfortunately it doesn't work as well for ears....but we
can't have everything.
As to the nipping and/or biting.  I agree 'grounding' my ferret works great.
If you have a persistant young kit I would suggest 'ode de bitter apple' on
any exposed skin area.  This has worked for me with a great success rate, and
within 1 week.  The 'groundings' can be lengthened if the problem persists.
My male was a rescue given up for biting problems (came to me because he does
not get along with any other males....yes he's repaired).  Anyway, he
eventually ended up being grounded for 16hrs straight (of course he had food
and water) and that did the trick.
 
To the person with the new ferret:
You might as well give up on stopping the carpet digging.  Your ferret knows
there is something exciting on the other side of that door and digging is his
way of getting to it.  Since you can't stop the digging, protect your carpet.
Hardware stores sell clear carpet runners, sometimes pre-cut to length
sometimes by the foot.  It is usually door width.  Place it in the doorway
and close the door over it.  They can dig to their heart's content and not
damage the carpet. Works here under the barricades in my house.  They just
know there is something more interesting on the otherside.....
 
Thanks for letting me put my $.02 in (don't we all wish computers had the old
cent symbol that's on the typewriters.....)
 
Single Mom and her kids (Priscilla (kissy queen ferret), Bandit, Butter,
Precious, SheMora, Rikki, Tikki (the dude with his harem), Tavvi, Feathers
(cat) and T.L.(cat)
[Posted in FML issue 1082]