Ferret Training – Nipping
The pleasure of owning a pet (or rather of being owned by a pet) is greatly enhanced by our ability to train the animal to behave in ways we personally enjoy and consider acceptable. The training of a pet ferret is no different. There are a number of behaviors that come naturally to our ferret that we need to curb or modify. It is important to have an understanding of how to achieve this behavior modification in a way that strengthens rather than alienates the ferret and his owner.
It is heartening to realize that most of what a ferret does involves playful activity. Ferrets love to run, bounce and roll. They love to chase you and enjoy being chased by you. They need to expend all that energy they’ve been storing up by sleeping 15-20 hours per day. Just a note. Ferrets are sound sleepers and may sleep so soundly that it is alarming to you. If this behavior worries you have your veterinarian check the little guy out to make sure there is nothing wrong.
Part of a ferret’s fun is the pleasure he gets from hoarding things. As part of the natural nesting instinct he will steal and hide anything he can get a hold of. Let your ferret have his own set of “stuff” (make sure it is safe material) that he can hoard in his stash.
Ferrets are naturally curious of their surroundings. They are opportunists who will wait for an opportunity to slip through an open door and escape. They are oblivious to the dangers involved. Be constantly aware of this behavior and guard against his escape. The prospects for survival of a domesticated ferret in the outdoors is almost nil.
One of the most popular behaviors to teach your ferret relates to his instinct to nip (squeeze skin without breaking it).
Ferrets, when they play with one another, nip as part of their mock combat. This is not the same as biting. It is a means of communication between ferrets. Ferrets have thick skin so it doesn’t hurt their companions. Not so with humans whose skin is thin. Your ferret is simply playing with you and not trying to hurt you. It is important for you to take the time and trouble to teach him what acceptable behavior is. (Unless your ferret has been previously abused or is in pain actual biting should not be an issue.)
The best time to teach your ferret not to nip is as soon as you get him. This behavior will not go away or fix itself.
When training a ferret, positive reinforcement works better than negative. Praise and treats works better than punishment. The most important thing is consistency. Not only you, but everyone in the family must be consistent when training your pet ferret.
Nose flicking is a very common form of discipline while the ferret’s teeth are on you. There are other alternatives to try. You do not want your ferret to associate you with bad things.
– A stern word “no!”
– Gently pin the ferret down
– Confining him to his cage for a few minutes and ignoring him (time out)
– Coat your hands with bitter apple.
Be sure that you are not causing the nipping by disturbing a sleeping ferret or one that is eating. If you need to awaken your ferret, or lure him away from his food, try shaking a jingle toy or using a treat.
A well behaving ferret is a joy to all who play with him. Training your ferret is worth every minute of your effort.
Ferret Cages
The importance of a properly equipped ferret cage cannot be overestimated. Your furry friend needs a safe and comfortable environment to spend the vast majority of his life in. Let’s take a look at the subject of cage design.
A basic ferret cage is a one level affair made of wire mesh measuring around 3′ x 2′ x 2′. This is more than sufficient for one ferret and allows proper separation of feeding, sleeping and litter box areas.
Deluxe cages come in a number of different sizes and prices. Each one has its own set of special features that make it well suited for your ferret. Decide in advance of what features are most important to you and then shop them carefully on the internet to get the best price and availability.
Features that are offered by various cage manufactures that will improve your ferret’s enjoyment of his cage:
– Solid floors rather than wire mesh (hard on your ferret’s feet)
– Solid shelves
– Solid ladders
– Ramps and balconies
– Extra cage levels (must be laid out carefully to avoid the danger of falls)
– Wide doors with ferret-proof locks
– Climbing tubes or tunnels
– Hammocks
Talk to other ferret owners for their input on the pros and cons of a particular brand and model of cage. Considerations for you as owner are such things as ease of cleaning and general safety for your pet.
Once you have settled on a cage it is time to set up your ferret’s new home.
The cage should be laid out in zones. The first zone to consider is the litter box zone. The litter box should have one side that is lowered to allow your ferret to walk in and out with ease. The remaining sides should be taller to allow your ferret some privacy as he does his business. Use a non-clumping type of cat litter in the box. Tip: When you clean the litter box leave some of his droppings in the box to keep him from playing in it.
The second zone is the sleeping zone. Here is where you will place the sleep sack or hammock for your ferret. If you are using other bedding, such as old towels or clothes, provide a box to place it in. Secure the box to the cage to prevent it being moved by your furry friend.
The third zone is the eating zone. This should not be close to the litter box zone. Here is where a heavy bowl for his food and either another heavy bowl for water (or a water bottle) goes.
The balance of the cage will be the playing zone.
Your ferret’s home is a work in progress. Start out with a basic cage that is large enough and build from there. You can add accessories to the cage and treat your ferret to special occasions by purchasing additional bedding and toys. You may decide before long that two ferrets are better than one and purchase a larger cage that can house them both.
Final Note: Be sure to remember to place your ferret’s cage in a dry, draft-free environment, not too close to a window or in direct sunlight. Keep the room temperature below 80 degrees at all times. He will love you for it.
Ferret Bathing and Grooming
A key factor to the health and happiness of your pet ferret is to tend to his bathing and grooming needs. Areas to attend to on your ferret are:
1- Bathing
Every week you should bathe your ferret. Your fuzzy friend can be bathed in the sink. If your ferret is comfortable with water the process is fairly easy. Wet your ferret by spraying or pouring water on him. Using a shampoo designed for ferrets or cats put a small dab on his upper back and lather up to his head and down to his tail. It is important to avoid getting the shampoo in his eyes or ears. Rinse him off and dry him with a towel.
If you ferret is afraid of water it becomes a little more complicated. Fill the sink with water and dip your friend in the water. Shampoo him as above. Dip him once again in the water and using your fingers, loosen the shampoo from his coat. Gently towel dry your friend.
If you notice that your ferret has a dry coat, you can apply a coat conditioner while he is still damp. Work the conditioner into his coat with your fingers.
2- Ear cleaning
Ferret ear care is important. It should be attended to once or twice per month. You can clear his ears of earwax and check for ear mites that might harm your furry friend. Have a friend hold your ferret by the scruff, properly supporting his body. Dip a cotton swab in an ear cleaning solution designed for cats and gently clean the ear starting with the outer ear. Use a dry swab to soak up extra liquid. Using a fresh swab, repeat the process on the other ear.
3- Nail trimming
Trimming your ferret’s nails will keep you from being scratched and protect him from snagging his nails on his bedding. Your ferret’s nails should be trimmed at least once per month. You can use regular fingernail clippers. With a friend holding your ferret, trim the nail up to about 1/8 of an inch from the quick. If you cannot clearly see the vein, do not cut lest you hurt your pet.
4- Brushing
To keep your pet ferret fresh between baths you can keep your friend smelling clean and fresh by brushing him. Use a soft or medium cat brush. Lightly sprinkle your ferret with baby powder. Brush him gently but thoroughly.
5- Dental care
Feeding your ferret dry foods will help your pet have clean, healthy teeth. You can take care of most tartar buildups by scraping his teeth with your fingernail. If you prefer, a cat toothbrush can be used. You should clean your ferret’s teeth at least once a week. When you take your ferret in to the veterinarian for his annual check up, have the vet do a though teeth cleaning which you can then maintain.
7- Fleas Ticks, Ear mites
Your pet ferret will appreciate your watch care over the potential for external parasites such as fleas, ticks and ear mites. If your ferret is an indoor pet and you have no other pets his risk is minimal of getting a parasite. If you detect any of these creatures, your best bet is to call your veterinarian for advice as to how to treat your pet.
Ferret Toys
When we think of ferrets we think of fun. Ferrets are very energetic and playful. Watching a ferret chase around the room is enough to wear you out. Like a human child, the ever- childlike ferret needs toys to play with.
Also like with a child, it is important to provide toys that are safe and age appropriate. Here are some tips on selecting toys for your ferret:
1- Avoid any toys with small parts that can be swallowed. Like a small child, ferrets test things by putting them in their mouths. A wrong item swallowed will lead at best to an emergency veterinarian visit and at worst to the death of your pet.
2- If you have children, make sure that small toys such as Legos, marbles or jacks are not available to be found by your ferret. These are a recipe for disaster.
3- Toys should not be made of plastic unless they are balls. Ferret teeth are plenty sharp enough to destroy plastic toys.
4- Rubber toys should be avoided as chunks can come off and be swallowed by your fuzzy friend.
5- There are commercially available ferret toys. Commercial cat and dog toys are fine as well as baby toys. The key is that they need to be sturdy.
Here are a few suggestions for ferret toys you can buy:
- Hard plastic balls (get the ones with holes in them)
- Plastic balls with bells in them
- Balls made of fleece
- Ferret tubes
- Teething rings
- Baby rattles
- Ferret balls that ferrets can climb in and out of
- Hammocks
And also like a child, the toys do not have to be complex or even store bought. How many of us have seen a child open a present and then play more with the wrapping and box, leaving the present for a later time.
6- Homemade toys are great as long as they meet the requirements above. Try:
- Old towels
- Socks with bells in them
- Plastic tubes
- PVC pipe
- Dryer hoses
- Paper towel rolls (Caution: slit them the entire length for safety)
- Plastic storage box filled with rice or playground sand
- A gallon jug with hole cut in it
- Cardboard boxes
Important Note: Toys need to be inspected on a regular basis. What was fun one day might be hazardous the next. You must be diligent in this regard.
Ferrets love to take their toys and hide them. It is important that the location of their secret stash of toys is known to you. If you find you are missing something, such as your car keys, you will know where to look.
Toys are best kept outside of the cage and used when your ferret is being supervised by you. This is a safeguard against him destroying a toy when you are not looking and being injured by it.
Ferrets love toys. They will play with almost anything you give them. If there are no toys they will create toys from other items (such as their food and water bowls).So love your furry friend and provide him with plenty of fun yet safe toys.
