Ok well ferrets arent perfect and neither are we. So how do we handle their problems? Are we handling things the right way?
If your a ferret owner already im sure at some point you have asked these questions. If your a soon to be owner I hope this can help prepare you a bit.
Digging- Alot of us face this common problem with our ferrets. Most of the time you will NOT completly solve this problem, but there are ways to help. First try a dig box for your ferret, this allows your ferret to do what he wants, but spares your carpets. Try carpet protectors, For those persistent fuzzies that just wont quit this method wont stop them, but it does help keep your carpet safe. Your ferret could also be bored destructive behavior can be caused by boredom...so try and rotate their toys and interact one on one with him/her.
Biting- This is a big problem alot of ferret owners have, espesially with kits. Why kits in particular? Well Ferrets skins are alot tougher then ours. When they play with their cagemates they become used to that sort of play and assume us humans can take it too. With kits breaking the biting habits are pretty simple so dont go running back to the pet store wanting a refund..a little work and your ferret will learn when playtime turns to "roughplay". First let me say DO NOT HIT YOUR FERRET for biting you. This solves nothing..infact it can make the problem worst by teaching your ferret to fear your hand. Solving biting issues with kits is relatively simple treat them like their mother would for "playing" to rough. Scruff your ferret and scoot his/her butt along the floor. When they bite a high pitch "ouch" lets them know that was to hard. Consistency is the key here everytime they bite follow these steps and the biting should stop. With older ferrets breaking the biting habit could be a bit harder, especially if they were an abused ferret that bites out of fear. The above routine willwork with older ferrets, but it may take longer. With an abused ferret try a different route first. Since they are already frightened of humans scruffing may make them more afraid IMO. Try putting ferretone on your hands and holding the ferret. Talk soothingly to him/her while they lick of the tone. With an abused ferret you want to establish trust and make him/her feel safe and secure with you. Daily handlings with this method should really help your new fuzz come around and realize your hands are "good" not "bad".
Accidents- Truth be told most ferrets dont hit their litterbox 100% of the time. You can help lower the ammount of accidents, but be prepared some will still happen. First DO NOT stick your ferrets nose in the poop...that means nothing to them and teaches them nothing. If your ferret is litterbox trained simple reminders throughout the day help to avoid accidents. Place your ferret in their pan a few times while they are out and about playing. Make sure that if they have run of the house that there is more then one pan available to them so they dont have to make a b-line across the house. Accidents in the cage? Try placing bedding or toys where the accidents are being made. Ferrets dont like pooping where they sleep or on the toys they play with.
Cage biting/ digging- When your ferret wants out of that cage they have no problem telling you. They will dig at the cage and bite the bars. Biggest mistake you can make is paying attention to this behavior. If its 3am and your little fuzzie is driving you nuts digging and biting dont go over and yell at them or take them out for a "talk"..this encourages the behavior because you paid attention. Your best bet to stop the night clawing is ignore it. A cage cover is also a good idea. That way your ferret doesnt have light bothering him/her and they wont see you walking by.
