>From:    Randy Horton <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: Scruffing your ferret
>
>we teach them to scruff their ferret frequently and don't do anything but
>scruff, give them a treat and give them some luvvies.  Usually, the only
>time most ferrets get scruffed is when something they don't like is going
>to happen to them, like some of the above mentioned necessary activities.
 
Excellent advise, Randy.  We like to scruff our kits NOT as punishment, but
out of necessity.  We give then treats *when* we have them scruffed and we
talk very calmly to them.  Thereason we do this is to teach them that if
they are scruffed, they are ok and should remain calm.  Kits often wiggly
and twist when scruffed and we try to teach them to be calm and quiet when
scruffed.  It is VERY important to us that the ferret is calm and quiet
while being scruffed.  Reason being is that if a medical emergency arises
(or heck - even just shots), that you can restrain and calm the ferret
easily.  If I have to restrain the ferret, I want to do it in a manner the
animal is not frightened of.
 
Amy Flemming
Flemming Farms
Perth, Western Australia
[Posted in FML issue 3136]