Nip training

[Tumbleweed 1]

I want to give my kits to their new homes being as friendly as possible. Does anyone have any advice how to work with very young kits (pre 8 - 12 weeks). They're two weeks now and the jills are okay with us stroking them (as long as they get a bit of fuss too!).

 

I just wondered how best to proceed. There are a lot of them so hubby suggested an 'in and out' box lol so they all get handled the same amount as they grow (not yet, but when they can leave the nest more and come indoors to play). Is there a way to discourage very young kits from nipping hands or is it a point of doing the same as you do when they're older?

 

The adults are very friendly and my toddler can safely handle them (with supervision!).

[Kay 3,709]

My method is to handle after there tummys are full of as much meat as possible, there like putty in your hands , handle after each meal & get the rest off the family to do the handling as well, the more hands there used to the better

 

2 kits i had a few yrs ago were fed meat & nowt else & i never had a single nip of them or my lad who was younger them, dry foods ok but its useless when raising kits

 

 

Oh i forgot to add if you have a large litter split them in to groups , less sibling rivalry i split a litter off 12 into 2 groups off 6 & that way i ensure the greedy ones were split as well into both groups & te more subdued kits were also getting there fair share off food

 

 

Just obseve them while eating , you will spot the bullys & the food motivated greedy ones

[scothunter 12,609]

Just scruff them and a tap on the nose sayn NO. There was a lad near me who used to burn them on the nose with a fag.Fortuanetly he is doing time for a serious assault.I never witnessed this myself or i would have stubbed a fag out in his eye.Some people are trully no right in the heid.

[Tumbleweed 1]

Also, should the jills come along too when the kits come into play or should they just enjoy the rest lol.

[Kay 3,709]

Also, should the jills come along too when the kits come into play or should they just enjoy the rest lol.

 

I would try and leave her where she is , just watch her behaviour, if she is frantic then have a couple at a time out leaving some kits with her , if she is really maternal she may just try to drag them back to bed anyway if she is allowed out at socialising time

[stubby 175]

I have never "scruffed" or "flicked noses" and none of my ferrets are biters, simply handle the kitts as much as possible, if they latch onto a thumb or finger, push it into their mouth, pressing down on the rear of tongue, makes them gag, they sound learn not to bite

[The one 8,511]

Just handle them daily after feeding and if they nip you push your finger gently into there mouths instead of pulling away and they soon stop .The nips you get from a young ferret dont hurt unless they get the bit between your fingers .You soon know the folk with kitts in the summer time there hands are covered in scratches they look like self harmers

 

Take the kitts away from the jill whilst your playing with them if there coming up to six weeks plus she will be glad of the break for a bit

[Tumbleweed 1]

Thanks for the ideas .

 

This is the first time I've raised kits so I want to do it properly and have kits anyone would want to take home at the end of it (iywim).

[scothunter 12,609]

Not being rude,but none of mine bite either and i scruff mine nd tap their nose.It lets them know its not on.Each to their own way i suppose.I have always found this to work for me.However the next time i ever get bitten i will try that wee tip you gave stubby.

[Kay 3,709]

I honestly believe if there fed meat & handled regular you wont have any problems with them

[The one 8,511]

Its just playing with them every day that socialises them and only a frightened animal will bite

[scothunter 12,609]

Its just playing with them every day that socialises them and only a frightened animal will bite

 

My mate had the exemption to that rule.It was a polecat hob who was a pure demon!He had from a kit none of his ferts bit except this one.It escaped one night.Think it was responsible for a few missing people in the area lol. Think he secretly let it escape although he never admitted it.

[The one 8,511]

Sometime get that, but usually find out they had a sore tooth or something like that and if it hurts when you handle them they think its you so bite