Love and Dooks to all!
 
When Biting Is A Problem:
 
Like puppies and kittens, ferret kits bite in play and must be taught
acceptable behavior.  Training must be consistent to be effective.  That
means that everyone who handles the ferret must be taught how to react to a
nip and must do so immediately and with every single episode.  Otherwise,
the ferret is either confused or she learns she can bite some family
members but not others.
 
Please do not "flick" your ferret's nose as punishment.  It is possible to
permanently injure, and even kill a ferret this way.
 
Pay careful attention to when and in what situation your ferret bites.  She
may need to work off some energy in play prior to being handled.  Are there
particular body parts she likes to bite?  Spraying bitter apple on those
parts and letting her "taste" you can discourage her.  Wearing long pants
and long sleeved shirts is useful around some kits until they are better
socialized.
 
It is important that the kit not be terrorized, or she will bite in fear.
Any punishment must bear in mind that you are a giant to her.
 
I use 4 disciplines:
 
1) Scruff gently, Hold her up to your face (but away from your vulnerable
nose!), Hold her mouth closed with the other hand and firmly in a loud, low
voice say "NO BITING"
 
2) For a more serious transgression, scruff and open her mouth by pressing
your fingers on both sides over her back teeth.  Force a finger crosswise
in her mouth and towards the back, repeating "NO BITING" again in a loud,
low firm voice.
 
3) Scruff her, hold her on her back or side on the floor, pull her around a
little, and hiss.  (This simulates her own mom's form of discipline.)
 
4) After any discipline, an additional deterrent is to put her in a carrier
(not her home cage) for a 5 minute time out.  This both deprives her of
play, and allows a cooling down period.
 
Afterwards a close cuddle and soft words reassure her that she is still
loved.
 
Soon you will come to a place where you will notice her sniffing or licking
the spot she used to bite...she is now testing the limit.  A firm "NO" will
likely discourage a bite now.  If she doesn't bite, a lot of attention, a
treat, and "good girl!" will reinforce her decision to abstain.
 
Love,
Shea & Trixie
[Posted in FML issue 3057]