Hello, i posted a similar question earlier, but i wanted to make a seperate one just for this issue in particular.
This is the second day i have had my ferret and i am tempted to take him back. He is being pretty mean.
Ill let him out of his cage for a while, and he will be fine for an hour but just out of nowhere he will turn aggressive and start jumping at me teeth first and hopping back. He do a backflip or 7 and do it again while making a snorting noise. He does this without me really doing anything, ill be watching him.
WHen he does get ahold of me, hell bite whatever it is hes closest to. Whether it be my feet, hands, chest, or neck. If i dont pull him off, he would draw blood. Ive been doing what somebody said was to after they bite, hold them by their scruff for a few seconds. Doesnt work, hell just bite some more. I also dont know if my size intimidates it? Im 6' 2", 260lbs. And this guy is 6 months old. I like him alot. But i wont keep it if it just wants to bite me.
2007-03-12 18:22:52 · 9 answers · asked by Redd35 1 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
Awwww.....I'm sorry you're having such a hard time with your little guy but please don't take him back just yet, I'm sure things will work out with patience. I have 2 ferrets, one doesn't bite at all and one loves to rough and tumble and nip my hand when playing, he's not doing it in an agressive way and to be honest it doesn't hurt at all.
Your guy is still a baby and he hasn't learnt yet that human skin is way thinner and hurts much more easily than ferret skin. Unfortunately the only way he will learn this is from you. It looks like you've been given various advice such as bitter apple spray and scruffing, have you tried time out? Whenever he bites make a loud high pitched squeal (to let him know it hurts) and say "NO" in a strong firm voice then put him back in his cage for a couple of mins, make sure you don't leave him in there long cos he'll forget why he's there! Ferrets hate being left out of the fun so this should be effective. The more you handle him the less he will bite eventually, I know this will be hard cos you don't want to risk him biting you again but if you hold him and talk baby talk to him he will start to bond with you and stop biting. If he bites your ankles (my guy did this for a while) stand absolutely still and make the squeal noise and say "NO" once he realises you're not going to play he will get bored. Whenever my Freddie goes near my feet now all I have to do is say "NO" and he walks away!
His jumping at you and showing his teeth is just him asking you to play with him, it's nothing to worry about but you have to put the time in to train him how to play nice. I promise you that if you're willing to take the time and take a few more nips off him then you'll reap the reward with a happy, healthy, sociable fuzz butt who makes you laugh every day.
Hope this helps.....good luck to you and your fur kid xx
2007-03-13 03:12:24 · answer #1 · answered by manc red 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I own two wonderful ferrets, and to be honest this seems pretty normal. Ferrets nature is to play rough. Their skin is alot tougher than ours, and they don't realize how hard they are really biting. What you have explained seems to fit right in with the description with what they call the "weasel war dance". This is where the ferret will hop backwards/forwards (varies) with their mouths open and "dukking". This is showing that they are happy and excited. If you would like them to understand that they are biting too hard, I suggest the squirting technique, or holding them by the scruff of their neck and saying a stern "No".
Don't take him back to the store just yet... You have to give the ferret a chance to acclimate to their surroundings. Their transitional period can last anywhere from 3-14 days.
Good Luck!
2007-03-13 02:05:44 · answer #2 · answered by shellee232 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
What he's doing could be what is called the ferret frolic,this is his way of telling you he's excited,you haven't had him that long,the biting will go away when he gets to know you better(then he'll just bite everyone else!)I had a male for 7 yrs,now I have a 11 month little blond female,She used to bite and I'm sure you know how hard they can!I would pick her up(after I pried her off)hold her by the scruff(like a cat)gently tap her on the top of her head and scold her,If that didn't work I would bite her back,Pick her up lay her flat(but hold on)and bite her hip,not too hard just enough so she knew,now were buddies!what ever you do ,do NOT spray him with water,this will only make him mad,they hate water,It may also make him loose trust in you!They are really very smart and catch on fast,be patient and good luck!!!(does he still have baby teeth??this will also cause him to bite,but that will go away when he gets his adult teeth)
2007-03-12 19:17:23 · answer #3 · answered by Dr.Taco 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Ferrets play Rough. it's the way they are.
Try buying some "bitter apple" spray and whatever he's biting. Continue to Scruff if you're plauying on the floor, Scruff and drag for about a foot on the floor.
2007-03-12 23:43:54 · answer #4 · answered by mdlbldrmatt135 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I've never owned a ferret, but always thought they looked neat in pet shops. If the biting surpasses a week, I would take him back, promptly. Ever think of owning a guinea pig ? I took care of two for a brief period of time and they were lots of fun. The best part ? No biting! ^^
2007-03-12 18:37:29 · answer #5 · answered by cokecans 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I had a black footed ferret when I was in high school and Fangs bite quite a few people,but I first got him and interacted with him I used these big thick leather gloves,that and when he was all excited or to get him to come to Iused creamy peanutbutter he loved it.You just need to spend bonding time w/ ur ferret and the attacks will stop.Just know this they have lock jaws like pit bulls.also u could try biting him back like I did my dogs...lol
2007-03-12 21:41:39 · answer #6 · answered by therealdawne 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i had a ferret like that once he was very aggresive and would attack me constantly. i suggest you take it back to where you got it from as it sounds as though it hasn't been properly trained and will not stop biting. i also suggest you don't buy a ferret from a pet shop but from a breeder who will have a lot more experience. i got a new ferret and she is very sweet and has not biten anyone or ever shown any sign of aggresion. hope this helps
2007-03-12 18:53:00 · answer #7 · answered by mystique 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
get a squirt bottle and squirt him with it every time he tries.
2007-03-12 18:36:36 · answer #8 · answered by MommyCaleb 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
BITE HIS A $ $ BACK!!
2007-03-12 18:31:35 · answer #9 · answered by tranquility_base3@yahoo.com 5 · 1⤊ 2⤋