Ask the Ferret Expert Question Answered
Apr 21st, 2009 | By admin | Category: Ask The Expert Answers, Behavior, NewsI recently received this question from Carey Henderson:
I actually have two questions that I would really like your help on.
• First is: I have two ferrets one is actually mine and then when I moved in with my boyfriend he got one and now we have broken up he wants his back which is understandable seeing as they are exciting creatures and so lovable. They have been together since october of 08 they sleep together play together eat together drink together . Will it hurt them to be separated? I have heard that they will get depressed if separated and possibly die. Which is not what I want in any way I will fight till the end for these two if any harm is to come their way. Or if they are separate will they easily bond with another ferret? Or will that not matter? Just please help in this rough situation.
• My next question is, my boy bites me all the time and I don’t understand why alot of website say if they are biting there is a reason. I take them places on walks to pet stores they are never in their cage they have all the toys they could imagine. I dont understand whyy he wants to bite me? I’ve tried disciplining him by saying no and putting him in the cage but no more than 5 minutes or else it’s not supposed to mean anything to him. Please help what should i do?
Thanks for the question and adorable pic, Carey!
It is true that ferrets can become “depressed” when separated from their buddies. However, it is also possible for them to bond with a new ferret. We have had one pair where one died (but they had been together for their entire lifetime) and the other died shortly after. I also had a pair where the same situation resulted in the living ferret doing just fine, even without a new buddy. They are as individual as people and react accordingly. Just keep and eye on the one that stays with you and if you feel he would benefit from a new friend, go for it!
As for the biting…I have found that I have had to “nip train” every ferret we’ve ever had! They just bite. Usually they are just playing with you as if you are another ferret friend! We had great luck with the scruff and scold technique with most. A “time out” in the cage is probably not going to work. We have also had to go as far as coating out hands in a bitter spray for the more stubborn little fellas.
Good luck!
What about pooping? I’ve tried everything to train twitch to use the potty, he still won’t use the litterbox on his own. He goes right in front/next to it. I use big litterboxes with low openings for his easy access, I use the same litterand boxes in his cage (where he’s 100% accurate) as I do out of the cage. I don’t get it. He’s in his cage for about 4 hours a week and he’s never missed in there. Out of the cage I reward him instantly when he goes in the right spot (I have to catch him about to miss and quickly stick him in the box for this to happen). It just never seems to sink in…
Can you please email the answer to me..I have had a ferret in the pass but an adult, I have now got two brothers they are now just over 4months old.But one has a big scab between his shoulders, though they play well together.I have not seen them fight, I bath it with salt water but it does not seem to get any better.
They have a big double hutch, play barn on the bothom with toys hanging and a bed hutch on the top floor with a hamock..I bring them out into the dog cage during the day on the lawn if its not wet, for a change. handled a lot during the day…but just not sure why this damage has been done, and how to clear it up .