Ferret Help?

Question

My ferret is very squirmy. For example, whenever i get her out of her cage, she moves alot in my hands and tries to get away, which equals scarred hands. If further information will help, then read on. She is a girl who never bites, she is kind of young, about 2, she used to have a little friend but she died and was old, and Gypsy is albino.

Answer 1

Basically all ferrets are like that. She might be trying to escape because she needs to use the litter box, feels hungry, feels thirsty, or because she sees something shiny on the other end of the room. Ferrets are very hyper, and very inquisitive.

Try hand-feeding treats to get her to calm down. Also, what are you doing when you hold her? Ferrets are tiny creatures, so don't pet them too hard! Many like gentle (or rougher) scratching. Figure out what kind of touch she responds to. Also, cuddle with her after she's had her playtime outside of the cage. She'll be sleepier then.

Clipping her nails may help with the scarred hands. Recently-clipped nails still have sharp edges, so be careful right after you clip then!

How are you holding her? She might not like the way she's being positioned when she's in your arms. Some of mine like to be held like a baby (draped across my arms, belly up) and others like to be held by placing them belly down, with their head on my shoulder. There are many other ways to hold a ferret comfortably, too.

Finally, some ferrets just aren't cuddle-ers. She's still fairly young, and may calm down when she's older. Ferrets also take some time to get used to people. One of my girls only started cuddling this last month, after a year and a half of having her in my home, and she only wants to cuddle for a little bit before getting on with playing.

Answer 2

My ferret sound rather similar. Her name is Neil (don't ask) and she is about 1 year old.
She sometimes squirms in my hands and sometimes curls up and sleeps.

The thing is, ferrets are very playful creatures, and very naturally inquisitive. To us, it just seems like a hole in the wall, but to them its the most amazing thing they have ever seen. They just want to get a look around and have a run.

The best thing would be to create little outdoor pen for it like I did. Put tubes and sand so it can dig, and let it play in there for a while before you take it out.

With regards to the scarred hands, buy some ferretone and let it lick that whilst you clip its nails, and then it can't scratch you as much.

Answer 3

This is pretty normal. After being in a cage for however long, the last thing they want is to be held and contained. She's squirming because she wants down to rip around and play! She could also have to go potty, but most likely, she just wants to rip! Wait until she's had time to run around and work off some of that energy and when she starts to slow down, then try holding her. It might help to also offer her a treat, that will help her understand that being held by you is a good thing.

Answer 4

This is normal for my ferrets, I try to keep their nails trimmed to cut down on the amount of scratches I get from them. You can try to keep her calm with a treat or something interesting like a toy (either of which only works for a few mintes with my three) but other than that, the best advice I can give you is to grin and bear it, and invest in neosporin.

Answer 5

I had 3 ferrets and it seems like they have way too much energy to be able to sit still to be held. If you play actively with her she will stay in your lap more. I could never get any of mine to cuddle unless they fell asleep on my bed.

She may like to have another friend to play with. It's probably best to get a very young one.
I know they are expensive, so if you can't afford another one just play with her more.

They are like hyperactive kids, but so much fun to watch. Having 2 assures that she won't be lonely, and it's so much fun to watch them play together.

They love to have a gentle rassle, or run after balls or retrieve tossed socks or a tug-of war.

It sounds like you love Gypsy, who wouldn't? Just don't try to restrain her against her will and you and Gypsy will have lots of fun. I'd love to see some pix!

Answer 6

Chase her around a while before trying to hold her. That should calm her down.
Remember that ferrets are contrary. If you want to confine her in a box, "try" not to let her into the box. If you want her out, "try" to barricade her so she can't get out. If you want to hold her, chase her first.
Ferrets are just clowns.

Answer 7

well are you holding him/ her right you have to make a hook under her front arms and just let them dangle its also good for their back