Debbie wrote:
>These past few days have been so hard on me.  These ferret's get mad or
>something when they play and take it out on my feet and toes.  Seems like
>when I'm in the kitchen they want to attack my toes and feet... Maybe I
>should go hide the rest of the week.
 
Well, they probably do want to attack your toes and feet-- it's fun!  Feet
are nice ferret-sized wrestling partners, at least from their perspective.
Spraying your feet with Bitter Apple can make a huge difference in training
them not to bite your feet.  Bitter Apple is available at most pet supply
stores, and tastes awful to ferrets.  Use it consistently for a while, and
they'll break the foot habit.  They aren't going after your feet to be
mean; they want to play, but need to learn where humans' boundaries are.
Same with the baby-- baby ferrets need to be taught not to nip.  When they
play with each other, they can chomp away, because other ferrets have
strong skin and lots of fur, but we humans have thinner skins.  If you go
to Ferret Central (www.ferretcentral.org) you can find material on
nip-training and links to other sites with information on nip training.
 
(Also, do be aware that when you pick up a ferret who is already in a very
excited state (from chasing your feet, or having a fight with another, or
being taken away from something they want and you don't think they should
have), their self-control is not at its best, and you do need to be more
vigilant about possible bites.)
 
You don't need to go hide for a week, but it is very important to give
yourself a time out when you feel too stressed and flustered to deal with
the situation.  Put the misbehaving ferret in a cage or shut the door and
go do something else until you feel calm.  Then go back to the ferret in a
calm state, and chances are the ferret will be calmer-- and stay calmer--
too.  Nip training can be some serious work with some ferrets, but it's
essential.  It's also more than just disciplining your ferret-- it's also a
matter of bonding with your ferret and building trust between the two of
you.
 
If you'd like a cheery story-- my ferret Amelia was an absolute monster as
a kit, very strong-willed and with a very strong sense of self.  Now, she's
a very cuddley ferret who sleeps in the bed at night.  She'll make the
occasional pass at my socks, but all in all, she's a very loving ferret.
 
Cheer up, and good luck with your training,
Regina
 
Regina Harrison
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http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/Lofts/1083
Electra the Brujah's page:
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But mad love is religion enough for my heart...
[Posted in FML issue 2596]