Ferrets use their mouths to check things out like human babies, only their
teeth are in and sharp!
 
Immediately and every time the ferret bites, yelp and say owie, cry,
anything your ferret does when hurt, then scruff the ferret, which will
look funny and yawn - I don't know why.  Scruffing is picking it up by
the loose skin on the back of the neck, like their Mom does.
 
Look into the face and say sternly, "No bite, No bite!" several times.
 
Put the fert down and ignore it.
 
If it bites again, pick up the ferret and do it again.
 
If it doesn't bite again within a minute, reward the ferret by picking it
up and cuddling your furball.
 
It may take a long time for the baby to learn, a couple of times to
several weeks, but you will find they do it less often.
 
Now the critical thing is the ferret will be trained not to pick on you,
but if anyone else in your house is being bitten they must do the same
thing or the ferret will continue to bite them.  My husband wanted me to
be the bad guy and do the disciplining and couldn't figure out why the
ferret still bit him.  Duh?
 
The other thing is when you play with them, don't let them bite your
hands, do the same thing.  They will be confused if you let them bite
when playing and don't discipline them but do it other times.
 
Consistency is the key!
 
I hope that helps.
 
Kim the Oregon one
 
Kim Reyes
Residential Specialist
John L. Scott Real Estate
Direct:  (503) 380-4195
Toll Free 1-877-490-2595
http://www.kimreyes.com
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[Posted in FML issue 3662]