> From: [log in to unmask] (Michael Flaster)
> Date: Mon, 18 Jul 1994 10:40:41 -0400 (EDT)
> Subject: I'm discouraged...
> Submitted-Date: Mon Jul 18 11:26:44 EDT 1994
 
[deletions]
 
> We stuck our fingers in the cage, and the one that was awake chased
> them around and tried to bite them, though not as hard as Otto.  I
> guess he might have been just playing, but after our experience with
> Otto, it made us think that ferrets are vicious by nature, not very
> domestic at all, and a lot closer to iguanas, in that you have to
> dominate them, or they'll dominate you...
 
Nononononono -- ferrets are NOT vicious by nature, but they don't know
that people skin isn't as tough as theirs until they are taught!
 
> This morning I was reading my ferret book, and it mentioned that
> propensity to bite is partially genetic, and if you don't go to a good
> breeder, you can get ferrets that are biters.  So I guess it's possible
> that our whole weekend was an aberration - maybe the pet store was
> particularly bad, their ferrets not treated that well, maybe Otto's
> owner didn't give him enough love (after all, he didn't seem too upset
> at giving him up for adoption), and that we had seen a biter.  But
> we're discouraged.  Was our weekend an aberration?  Or were our
> expectations unrealistic?  We thought that there would be some playful
> biting, especially when young, and the only training they would need is
> that their biting hurt.  We thought if we *showed* them the pain, they
> would feel sorry and learn not to bite, whereas with Otto, showing pain
> seemed to be a mistake...
>
> Anyway, please write, post, and tell me that ferrets actually like
> people...  Also, *any* recommendations for a place to get (gentle)
> ferrets, within 200 miles of Long Island, that you've actually been to,
> would be *greatly* appreciated...
 
Mike,
 
Your experience WAS an aberration.  Ferrets LOVE people.  From your
description, I'd say Otto was not as well socialized as he might have
been, and the pet store situation was obviously under par.  I might add
that sticking your fingers in a cage is NEVER a good idea, and will not
give you a true picture of ANY animal's temperament.  It is always better
to ask to take the animal out of the cage.  After all, if somebody started
poking at you, wouldn't your reaction likely be to react with a nip or a
bite?
 
As for breeders or rescues, I would strongly suggest acquiring a copy of
the STAR*Ferret list -- you can do so by sending e-mail to
[log in to unmask] with the single line message GET FERRET DATABASE.
This is the most comprehensive list of ferret breeders, shelters, clubs,
etc., available.  (Chris, maybe you could add the instructions for getting
it to the FML header, after those for acquiring back issues and the FAQs?)
 
Sorry your initial experiences were discouraging.  Ferrets ARE friendly
and affectionate, but they must be taught good social skills, and it
sounds like the ones you met hadn't.
 
Good luck!
 
---------------------
Katie Fritz
CompuServe Small Mammals Section (S11) Co-Leader, Pets/Animals Forum
Internet: [log in to unmask]   CompuServe: 71257,3153
 
[Posted in FML issue 0894]