Hi everyone, I'm a new reader and owner (yeah, I know, she owns me! ;-) ) of Elsa, adopted from a very dear friend who's older ferret (playmate of Elsa) recently died. Elsa is about 3 years old...she was left on my friend's doorstep when she was a kit...spayed and descented. I'm new to the ferret coloring game so I'm not sure what color to say that she is. She is lighter than a sable (I think), but does have the mask on her face. And she seems to have adjusted to the move okay. She is very lively, eating well, no diarrhea, etc. I have had her for just 6 days and, perhaps, that is part of the problem. Here is my situation. She seems to like to nip -- not hard enough to break the skin or even really hurt, but I sure know that the potential is there for it to REALLY hurt. She doesn't seem to mind being picked up and petted and that is not usually when she nips. When she decides to nip is when she is out playing and just saunters over to snif you leg or instep. Then, before you know it, she licks then nails you. I first tried making alot of noise, scolding her and hissing at her -- this was suggested in the Ferret FAQ and I wanted to avoid thumping her on the nose, if possible. Obviously, I'm adjusting to her and attempting to avoid allowing the situation to occur where the biting usually happens. When she tried to nip me this morning (when I was holding her), I did scold and tap her nose. So, HELP!!! Is this typical ferret behavior?? (Yes, I know, all ferrets are different.) Otherwise, she is very sweet. What has worked for other owners of nipping ferrets?? How long did breaking the habit take (if ever)?? Obviously, the lick is a usual preamble to the bite, so I have a clue of when the nip is coming. BUT, I would like to be able to let her out in my apartment without having to constantly be on guard. I would love to get her a playmate, but I'm a little skittish of having TWO nipping ferrets running loose!!! I would appreciate any and all comments....to the list or e-mail me direct at: [log in to unmask] Thanks all, Pat O'Neal and Elsa ("Born Free" the lioness become ferret) [Posted in FML issue 1211]