Hello All,
I am really sorry for brining up what must be a common topic for regulars
here, and not all that exciting of one either.  Problem is litter training
our ferret.  Now, I've read all the FAQ's I could find on the net and the
section on litter training in the ferret book I have, but nothing so far has
worked.  I think there are a couple of problems:
 
1.  We've been having trouble finding any treats that he will go out of his
way to be good for.  Linatone and Ferretbits could be taken or left.
Various small bits of human food (cheese, etc) are sniffed at, but not much
more.  Would anyone who has had good luck with particular treats shoot that
information on to me?
 
2.  We've been trying to follow the instructions of first keeping the ferret
in a small area, then gradually widening the area he has to run around in.
This has generally been in the bathroom while we are at work.  The problems
are that he still won't go in the litter box, even when all the corners are
covered with blankets or food or litterboxes.  The latter he just moves away
so that he can go in the corner proper.  Then, as an added bonus, staying in
the bathroom all day makes him really sqirrelly when he gets out.  Lots of
toe biting, even though he is generally off that habit.  He definitely gets
hyper and regressive after too long in the bathroom.
 
I'm wondering if maybe he doesn't like the litter brand we use (its the kind
with the big chunks of recylcled newspaper).  We tried clumping cat litter
before that, but mostly it was appealing to play in.  Does anyone have any
suggestions as to litter?  Also, we have a triangular litterbox (actually
two).  Are there ferrets who avoid this type on purpose?
 
Also, I've definitely noticed what look like puddles of dried ferret pee
around the house.  Do they ever eventually go in their box to pee?
 
Please do send your wisdom, because I really love my ferret (named Fawcett).
Unfortunately, I am getting more and more frusterated with the toilet
training situation.  If this topic is old and used up on the ferretnet, a
private reply at [log in to unmask] would be wonderful.
 
Thanks very much,
Ellen
[Posted in FML issue 1848]