Play Time Advise

[bobh 27]

I recently got my first ferrets, born the end of May so still quite young.

Trying to spend half hour morning and evening with them in the big run (12 foot x 6foot) just letting them play and handling them, letting them get used to me.

Now, when they're feeling playful and I pick them up they tend to mouth my fingers a bit, not biting hard, just playing. Do you guys feel this is OK or am I making problems for myself down the road by allowing them to do it. I spent many years shepherding and with my pups I would always play with them and let them mouth my hands, I'm a great believer in letting a young dog be a puppy and if I'm part of the game then that just strengthens the bond between me and them.

Thing is I not sure this works the same with ferrets.

[Richardhomer 7]

Hi mate.

I'm also new to keeping ferrets. My two Jill's will be around the same sort of age as yours.

I let mine out each day for play time.

Mine also do the play biting of my fingers.

Had a couple of little nips off the one,

I don't see anything wrong with a bit of play fighting with your ferrets. I also have done this with puppets and kittens too.

My two Jill's play fight with each other and sometimes they really go at it.

But then they do it with me they do seem to be more careful.

 

Others may think we are setting our sleds up for trouble then they are older.

I would be interested to hear what others think about this Matter

[richie1984 191]

It's not a problem mate I think it's better to let them have a playful nibble on your fingers they get the feel for them.when I've dug for mine and theyve been trying to kill a rabbit they go abit mad but I grab them out it might grab my fingers/hand but not bite down hard when it knows what it's got hold of.atb rich

[Rowan 308]

they are just getting used to new things , human babies nibble your fingers too!!!

[bobh 27]

Thanks guys, kind of what I was thinking, goes along in much the same way as bonding with a puppy. Had a great play session with them this evening

[J_mcintosh87 42]

I always play fight with my youngens and talk to them every time I'm around them so they get used to my sent sound and touch