Alinda,
 
I'm betting your new ferret Oscar doesn't hate you at all. I
have experienced the same type of behavior from the two ferrets I
have raised.  The first month is the worst!  Keep working on him
though.  Try not to pick him too much until he comes to you and
seems to want to be picked up.  Remember to enforce the idea that
being picked up is GOOD (read: bribe him with raisins, linatone, etc.
whenever picked up).
 
Keep up with the nose thumping and the "NO!".  Maybe even quarentine
him in his cage for 5 minutes if he keeps up with the running around
like a mad man.  He won't like being put away and will fuss alot,
but stand your ground.  Young kits usually hop around like Michael
Jackson on crack cocaine for a short while.  Once they run out of
energy it is prime time to get some quality bonding time.  Be
persistant and I think you'll have a wonderful pet.
 
This first month is hard getting used to a ferret being around.  It's
an adjustment for you and Oscar both.  I'm sure he'll settle down after
a while though.
 
Best of luck,
 
Chris, Snoopy, and Rusty
 
[Posted in FML issue 0802]