Ferret handling tips

[skycat 6,173]

Some strains of ferrets seem more 'bitey' than others, and many won't try and bite at all: letting them lap a drop of milk from your finger tips and in the palm of your hands works well, for kits that aren't so bite orientated, and it teaches them to trust the hand too.

 

The old way of curing bitey ferret kits works well too: all kits nip when young, but with milk teeth it doesn't hurt much anyway. If they do grab your fingers, offer them a knuckle to bite on and then push it into their jaws as the ferret bites. Be careful, you don't want to damage their jaws, but push your knuckle into their mouth forcing their jaws too wide to get the purchase needed to bite down. You'll get a few dents in the skin on your knuckle, but it won't hurt, and it is uncomfortable for the ferret. Just remember that it is a tiny animal which you can damage very easily, but once you've done it a few times they learn that it is uncomfortable to bite.

 

If they raise their heads to bite as you go to pick them up, hold a bit of rabbit in front of their nose and let them latch on to that while your other hand goes behind the head to pick the kit up round its shoulders: this should give you more confidence too as their jaws are otherwise occupied whilst you pick them up. It's all about confidence and trust for both you and the ferret: the more you handle them gently and firmly, the safer the ferret will feel in your hands. Don't make sudden moves above their heads with your hands, and if you dog get bitten and the ferret hangs on, don't jerk your hand away suddenly. They aren't trying to eat you, just test you out the same as puppies do when they grab hands and chew on them.

[Tug 168]

Time, patience and lots of handling. Offer them a finger, if they bite it then push gently towards back of their mouth so they have to move away to get it out.

 

[iworkwhippets 12,539]

Plenty human contact, good luck

Edited August 12, 2012 by iworkwhippets