|yrs. Ever since I have been reading the Ferret Column, I have noticed that
|most owners have tame ferrets. Ferris is the type that never stays still.
 
To Sean and Ferris:
 
As far as I can tell, there are three main causes for a ferret who doesn't
want to stay in your arms.
 
1)  Overly excitable ferrets - they usually mellow out as they get older
2)  Not enough play/explore time - this is very likely if you ferrets live
    in a cage - when you first take them out they need to explore and play
    and get generally exhausted
3)  Haven't learned the value of snuggling :)  One thing I have found is
    that normal, light petting doesn't do much for most ferrets.  Usually
    they prefer to be pet alot harder, often scratched as well, because
    of their incredibly tough skin.  (My ferrets like to be scratched
    right behind their ears :).  If you can't get them to hold still for
    at least that, you can try holding them up by their scruff - this will
    make them more submissive and relaxed (it's a motherly thing).
 
I may be way off base on this, so lemme have it if I'm wrong!  :)
I do know that I had similar problems, and my ferrets are much better about
relaxing in peoples arms now.
 
Max, Sag, Cinder, Kodi T. Bear and Dave
[Posted in FML issue 1253]