Hi all. Monica in Canada here. It's been a while, but I had to put in a word or two on this. I'm really sorry to hear Buffy has chosen you as her stalked chew toy. Leave the harness on her, or don't bother with it at this stage. I have done both. If you are going to put a harness on her - get a velcro one that you can get on her FAST with gloves, and won't get hooked up on the cage. NO fussing with those stupid tiny buckles, or figure 8 slip cord harnesses. You _will_ be bitten. Expect her to escape from it, so it's not a surprise when it happens. I have had both - a vicious ferret and a deaf one. My vicious girl was the way she was because she was poorly socialized, getting out of her cage only 30 minutes a day. Her parents did the right thing getting her to me, but she was a tough nut to crack. I had *never* used gloves before her and I was darned if I would. I worked at the Humane Society here for over a year, and using welders gloves and work gloves was not unusual in that environment. (Get bitten by a feral cat once.... that's all it takes to convince you.) Dakota changed my tune in a hurry. Do _not_ be afraid to wear gloves. It lets you have hands that can be loving for all the other kids. When the time comes, you will be able to take them off. It took us nearly 6 months of daily work to get Dakota to recognize that biting was not an acceptable behaviour, and there are no guarantees that Buffy will become friendly. Cleaning the litter box, for the first couple of months, I would raise the ramp to seal her in the upper level of the cage so she couldn't get to me. There are times you have to treat your ferret as if you are another ferret. I have gotten down on the floor and scruffed and tugged the little monstress. Hissing, etc. Deaf ferret - not so easy, but they can FEEL!!! I have used nose flicking in some cases, (don't flame me people!) blowing up snout never has worked for me to get them to let go, and every ferret is a unique combination of techniques. Cage can also be important. I have one wire cage (modified to have laminate flooring sections for the ferrets) with two levels and a pan on the bottom, possibly for rabbits (but I'd never put a bunny in there! I don't like the wire on the feet), but it served it's purpose with us. It had a grid so small they cannot get their snout though the cage to nip (or chew on the wire when they are frustrated). The plus with this cage is that you can put your hand up to it so they can sniff or lick treats off without being assaulted. The closest thing I could find on the internet was a rat cage, but the picture was pretty tiny to tell. CAUTION! Sleeping/dozing (and deaf) ferrets don't see lights flick on and off very well, but if you stomp on the floor, they might just notice. I taught the deaf ferret that stayed with me some sign language. He was smart as a whip and learned several words in AMSLAN before he left me. NO was our first word. And he knew what that was. Stomp for attention, NO. And other times, to get his attention for play, rewards and treats. Buffy is not ready for this yet, but I did learn something helpful from one gentleman. It's hard to bite the palm of the hand when it is held out as tight as you can with tonic lax on it. Similar to how you give horses treats. However!!!! Fingers are fair game if they are as aggressive as Buffy, so this may not be an option for quite some time. We did not try this for 4 months with my little Dakota. I was almost at my wits end when she finally came around. Check with your vet. There may be something else going on - tumor, hormonal imbalance.... However, if your little critter has been "damaged" in some way, genetically, or harmed/abused, as an absolute last resort, you may want to consider consulting the vet about tranquilizers. If you are out of humane options, it gives both of you a chance. Oh, and I have had ferrets that love Bitter Apple spray. The cream/paste, not as much, but I have even used tabasco and other chili powers in paste form to get chewing and biting ferrets to leave things alone. Don't forget Wasabi... Best of Luck to both of you! Monica ferretless, but felined Edmonton, AB [Posted in FML 5953]