Lately I've been responding to FML posts individually to avoid overloading
Bill and the FML, but several of the posts in yesterday's FML looked like
they might be of general interest, especially to some of the new comers.
I don't claim to have all of the answers, but here is my experience:
 
>>Need help with biting ferret<<
No need to apologize for buying a Marshals Farm ferret.  They, in general,
have the best dispositions I've run across.  What you problem may be is you
method of disciplining - nose thumping.
 
At our shelter, we've found that the absolute worst biters were disciplined
that way.  They very quickly learn to associate people with pain, and will
often "attack" first before the person can hurt them.  Not always, but this
is often the case.  Sometimes it takes months to get them to trust people
again.  I really don't know where this method came from, but it is widely
practiced, so don't feel like an animal abuser.  I'm glad you came here and
asked.  Too many don't.
 
Our first step here with a fear biter is, as I said, to try to gain their
trust.  To do that we literally walk around with a Ferretone bottle and a
pocket of treats.  Whenever we approach the ferret, we don't try to pick it
up or play; we simply offer the treat and try not to get bit.  Usually we
aren't, but if we do, there is no punishment at this time, just withhold
the treat for a while.  They soon learn that people can mean good things
and look forward to seeing us.  We repeat this often during the day.
 
Then we attempt to gently stroke the ferret while it's licking a few drops
of Ferretone; again association with good things.  Still no punishment, but
again try to avoid the biting.  You don't want to reinforce that.
 
Next it's, with lots of forewarning, pick up the ferret while it's getting
the Ferretone.  Hold it a while and then set it down.  Repeat often.
 
After a while, the amount depends on the ferret, it will actively look for
you to pick it up and interact with it, but now comes the difficult part.
If it seems trusting and does seek you out and wants to be picked up, you
still may be bitten.  At this point you might try gently wrapping your hand
around the ferret's muzzle and head; look it straight in the eye and tell it
firmly, "No bite!"  A gentle shake may be in order, but I emphasize "gentle."
Be very consistent once you start the discipline, but combine it with love.
 
Never ever put it down right after it bites you or you'll train it that
biting is how it asks to be set down.
 
It'll take time (days to even months) but believe me it's worth it to
finally hold it and have it give you a bath of ferret kisses.
 
>>Not eating:  Help!<<
High probability of a blockage.  All of the classic symptoms.  Have your vet
do a barium series ASAP and do go in and remove it if a blockage is found.
Blockages can be partial or full.  Either can kill quickly.
 
>>Shot Sequence<<
In an older ferret the series is designed to make sure that the ferret is
*really* immunized against canine distemper.  Sometimes a single shot will
not build up the necessary titers to offer protection.  It's best to be
very safe.  Canine Distemper, for all practical purposes, is 100% fatal.
Remember to remain in the vet's office for at least 30 minutes after any
vaccination in case there is an allergic reaction.
 
>>Somebody smart please!!!<<
Some ferrets will share a food bowl with a mouse or rabbit; others will go
for the kill.  With a rabbit, it's equally dangerous to either animal.  A
frightened rabbit can kill a ferret faster than you could react to stop it.
A ferret in attack mode can kill or seriously maim a rabbit.
[Posted in FML issue 2355]