I don't mean to be funny, well maybe just a little, but the best way to get a
ferret to like being held is to hold it.  What  I mean, is most will squirm
and scratch and wriggle to get down.  Don't!  Don't put it down until it
settles down and relaxes, no matter how long that takes (and wear a long
sleeved shirt while doing it - saves on scratches).  After a while, it'll
give a big "SIGH" and go quiet.  Give it a little treat and tell it "Good
boy/girl" .  Hold it a while longer to make sure it's quiet, then set it
down.  Every so often give it a reward when you pick it up too, but ferretone
is the best for that.  If yours are like mine, if I give it a raisin it wants
to go off somewhere to eat it.  What ever you do, don't play, or rough-house
when you pick it up.  Pick up means "quiet time"; otherwise it will get
confused as what it is you want it to do.  It shouldn't take to long if
you're consistant.  All of ours will let us hold them as long as we want to.
 
Dick Bossart
[Posted in FML issue 1088]