i put down carpet protectors, squirted him with water from my water bottle which now he likes, and gave him timeouts what else can i do?
2007-03-14 04:55:32 · 8 answers · asked by butterfliescp 1 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
There is nothing you can do. Ferrets are natural born diggers! lol DON'T CRY! I'm here to help! :)
Here are some things that may help to at least slow-down the 'digging'.
- Provide more ferret toys. They also like cat toys.
- Try 'scruffing' the ferret when he starts 'digging' at the carpet. Genly hold the ferret on the scruff of his neck and push him (gently) to the floor. This is a ferrets way of showing dominence or displeasure. It may give your fert the idea that you definatley do not like the digging!
- Give you ferret something to dig in! Grab ur-self a cardboard box...cut a ferret size hole in each side...fill the box up with toys, ping pong balls, sand, even rice. Ferrets love this and it gives them a way to satisfy the itch to scratch.
- Don't worry about it! :) If the ferret isn't creating any damage to the rug...let him dig to China if he will. My ferret scratches a lot but creates no damage, HOWEVER, I have known ferrets to actually (literally) dig carpets up. Just use your judgement.
I hope this helps/works for you and your fuzz-butt! Good luck!
2007-03-14 14:23:20 · answer #1 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ROFL - I'm sorry, but you are finding out what every other ferret owner of any length of time knows - ferrets and carpets do not mix. If you can, cover the rug in an area or room with tile or lino and confine them to that. If not, you can try the bitter apple and/or plexiglass. Personally, it didn't work for me. Digging is just something they do instinctively. Try distracting him when he starts - play with him, entice him away from the spot with a toy or treat. Is he an only ferret? He may be lonely. Think about getting him a friend.
2007-03-14 12:00:09 · answer #2 · answered by Susan R 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Spray some bitter apple on the carpet or get some plexiglass that it can look through. They scratch to see what' going on in the next room. Mine had the same problem but never quite fixed it.
2007-03-14 04:59:24 · answer #3 · answered by SnifftheSharpie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ferrets naturally dig the only thing you can do is not much there is time out spray that is very bitter and along with digging they will bite the carpet to when they taste it they will leave it alone period it worked for my three ferrets
2007-03-14 05:39:50 · answer #4 · answered by Heather M 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Mine also scratch. At our new couches, our doors, our rugs... lol....
One thing that really helped, besides the time out, is getting them a dig box. Because they love to dig this often times gives them a place to do it. I have long grain rice in theirs. Some have put dirt mixed with sand... etc.... just make sure what ever you use is harmless to them.
Also when you put him/her in time out, do you put it in an empty cage or pet carrier, or do you just put it back in his/her furnished cage?
Often times if its just the cage they spend most of their time it they dont see it as punishment...
Time out really started working with mine when i started putting them in an empty pet carrier for 5-10 minutes.
Hope this helps, any questions just ask
2007-03-14 06:43:30 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Definitely try the bitter apple... They can't stand it.
2007-03-14 05:31:35 · answer #6 · answered by shellee232 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
try scruffing him and tell him no in a firm voice or you can put velcro where he usually scratches.
2007-03-14 11:53:33 · answer #7 · answered by MommyCaleb 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get rid of him
2007-03-14 04:58:47 · answer #8 · answered by nick.stauffer 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋