hi,
nip training is very easy...i rescued a ferret from petco who bit to the
bone (she was abused and now deaf from the beatings)...
 
#1 never hit a ferret NEVER
#2 DO NOT FLICK
you will get some people and/or books that reccomend this...IT IS WRONG...
not only will your feret be afraid of it but you will make it more
agrressive...and as a COMPASIONATE HUMAN, i am sure that we can do
something else..you can also break their nose and etc...i am studing to
be a veternarian...i currently have 5 cats, 2 dogs, 17 ferrets...
 
here is what you do:
- when ferret bites scruff it
- while scruffing look it in the face
- and even toned say no bite
- and gently blow once in their face...
- repeat this everytime he/she nips...
- on the 4th time do the same thing BUT PUT THE FERRET IN THE CAGE FOR
  5minutes....
- after 5 mins...(even if its asleep)
- bring it back out....
- repeat the whole process from the beginning (give the 3 chances and etc.)
  BUT THIS TIME INCREASE THE TIME BY 5minutes.....
 
it will work...but it will take time...
 
ferret nip sometimes because they do not like a perfume or a certain smell
on someone (especially smokers and cleaning products)...make a habit of
washing before playing with ferrets....
 
you have a problem with allergies???  i did too!!!
 
i assume that you see your vet dont you???
 
- wash everything in "Woolite" never use FABRIC SOFTNER or FABRIC SHEETS...
- use a litter called "YESTERDAYS NEWS" you can get it unscented 30lbs bag
  at petsmart for 11.99
- was bedding once weekley...do the cage at the same time with a very weak
  bleach solution with a little Dish soap...rinse thoroughly...
- DO NOT USE Aerosols in your home (lysol and etc) they are so bad for your
  animals...
- DO NOT USE rug stuff...you know the stuff that people sprinkle on their
  carpets to supoebly make them smell nice...
- and DO NOT SMOKE AROUND YOUR FERRET OR IN YOUR HOME...i am not being mean
  about smoking i smoked for ten years..i ahvent for 3yrs now...but i never
  smoked in my home, around my kids....i use to smoke 2 pks a day...geez
  thats alot....
 
listen if you follow this advice you wont go wrong...this is what my vet
said to do and it worked...well i figured out woolite was the best stuff
to use....patches my little allergic ferret...would get a really bad red
belly...just horrible and would sneeze himself to death...so please keep
me posted...
 
sincerly,
Trudi C.
[Posted in FML issue 2551]