FERRET FAQ FOR NEW AND PROSPECTIVE OWNERS Compiled and edited by Pamela Greene ([log in to unmask]) (version 1.1, 1/31/94) This FAQ is being distributed to the FML in about 20 pieces in order to encourage your comments and suggestions. I'd also be happy to send you the whole file; it's roughly 75kB, but I can split it into smaller segments if your mailer has problems with large messages. *** PART 16 of LOTS *** - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4.7> Can I teach my ferret tricks? How? [begin PG] Yes, ferrets are plenty smart enough to learn to sit up, turn around, roll over, stay on your shoulders or in a hood, and perhaps even walk on a leash. To train your ferret to stay on your shoulders, for instance, stand over a pile or basket of crumpled newspaper, and when she falls into it, shout, "No!" The combination of the fall, the noise, and your shout should persuade her to pay more attention to staying on. Give her a treat when she does, and she should learn quickly. The trick to all of these is getting your pet's attention while you teach her. Don't try teaching tricks, or even trying to get a ferret to perform, in an unexplored area -- it's nearly futile. One idea for getting your ferret's attention is to take away her food at night, then teach the trick first thing in the morning, using breakfast as a reward. Don't take away the water, though; with their fast metabolisms, ferrets can get dehydrated quickly. Unlike dogs, ferrets generally won't do a trick for the sheer joy of it, or simply to please you. Usually there must be some kind of reward expected, though that could be anything from a lick of Ferretone to a bite of apple to a good head-scratching. 4.8> Do ferrets travel well? [begin PG] Around town: Ferrets love going places. You can fix up a shoulder bag with a litter pan and space for a water bottle and food dish and carry them with you wherever they're welcome. Automobile travel: Car trips don't seem to bother ferrets, although being closed up in a travel cage may irritate them -- and you, as they scratch incessantly to get out. Keeping them loose in the car is not recommended, since they could get under the driver's feet or through some undetected hole into the engine compartment or onto the road. Since water dishes and bottles don't work well in a bouncy car, remember to stop and give them a chance to drink every hour or two. Airplane travel: Some airlines allow ferrets on board their planes, in under-seat cat carriers. There's almost always an additional charge. Sending your ferret in the cargo area is not generally recommended, largely due to problems people have had with temperature, pressure and general handling of pets who travel this way. Several people have been able to sneak their ferrets aboard aircraft by taking them through the security checks hidden in bulky coats, then transferring them to a duffel bag in a restroom, but I have no experience with that. Hotels: Many hotels allow pets in cages, although it's a good idea to call ahead and make sure. Legality: You should also check with the Wildlife Departments of any areas you'll be passing through or staying in to make sure that ferrets are allowed, and carry documentation of the vaccines your pets have had, just in case. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 5. *** Things ferrets say and do *** 5.1> Ferrets don't purr, so how do I know if mine likes something? [begin MW] If he spends more than a few minutes playing with it (toys), if he "demands" another bite or grabs it from you (food), if he sits still for more than a few seconds (petting). Our ferrets have favorite toys, favorite foods and favorite scratching places. Our ferrets "chuckle" when they are having fun. [Posted in FML issue 0733]