When it comes to being bit on the nose, that's usually my fault because I know when that happens here, me and the ferret both got too excited :) Every nose bite has always been a "hyper accident" LOL... But as for regular bites and bites that are just too hard, and the 'gnawing' by my big, strong guys, I let them know it's not all right by just scruffing and saying "no" and "careful" strongly. Number one, they don't like it that I'm loud. I say it slow to be annoying, LOL...and I keep them scruffed until they get tired of it and try to get away. That way, I'm annoying them, and they either play more gently, or they go to play with another ferret as hard as they want. I find that the amount of time you scruff and "inconvenience" them really does matter...if you scruff for a short time, it really doesn't send a message other than playing, for my boys. Other ferrets could be different. I also 2 psychological biters that were abused, one retailiates with any form of scruffing done to him, and if he ever accidently gets hurt while playing (say he jumps up and I'm playing with a toy and my hand accidently pokes him), he also attacks the hand severely. He was beaten while little. And the other acts as if scruffing is simply the time she needs to plan her next attack. She was handled with gloves from a young age for two years, I believe. But they are exceptions. L [Posted in FML 5405]