One of the ferret's bad habits is biting. There are several reasons why ferrets bite humans. In addition, baby ferrets are not yet aware that their bites can hurt humans. Therefore, you should train the ferret to bite the toy, not the human. With patience, perseverance, and time, ferrets will stop biting humans and become safe and fun pets.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Disciplining Ferret
Step 1. Grasp the nape of the ferret
One way to get a ferret to stop biting is to hold its neck. Grasp the loose skin at the back of the ferret's neck and lift the ferret up to your eye level. Cover the ferret's mouth with your index finger and thumb. Look the ferret in the eye and say, "No!" loudly and firmly.
Ferret would probably fight back and try to escape. Do not be afraid. You won't hurt the ferret by holding it by the scruff
Step 2. Law the ferret by confining it in a cage
If the ferret doesn't stop biting even though it's been grabbed by the scruff, it should be placed in its cage. Place the ferret in its pet bag or cage for 5 minutes. This method is very suitable to be applied to ferret babies. Baby ferrets are generally very playful and do not like to be alone. By confining it for 5 minutes, the ferret will think that biting humans is bad behavior.
Ferrets may fall asleep if they are confined too long. Remember, the ferret should associate the cage with punishment, not a place to sleep
Step 3. Distract the ferret
Baby ferrets who are too excited to play will generally bite. If your ferret bites you while playing, give him a toy to nibble on. By doing this, the ferret will think that it is okay to bite toys, not humans. You don't have to worry about the ferret biting toys with this method.
Step 4. Avoid mistakes when training ferrets
Don't train the ferret to stop biting by hurting it. Do not throw, hit, or flick the ferret's nose. Also, don't yell at or scold the ferret. You certainly don't want the ferret to be afraid of humans. Ferrets may bite more often if they are afraid of humans.
Think of the ferret as a child you love when disciplining him. Ferret should view you as a loving authority figure
Step 5. Use bitter apple spray
Ferret does not like bitter apples and limes. You can buy this spray online or at your nearest pet store. Spray on hands, toes, ankles, and other body parts that ferrets usually bite. By doing this, the ferret will associate the bitter taste with biting.
- Do not spray the solution on the ferret.
- You can also spray the solution on a cotton swab and put it in the ferret's mouth when it bites.
- Bitter apples are also sold in the form of a paste. Bitter apple paste can be applied to prevent the ferret from biting its cable or cage. Apply the paste to the items you want to protect from the ferret's bite.
Method 2 of 2: Identifying the Cause of Ferret Biting
Step 1. Treat baby ferrets differently than adult ferrets
Baby ferrets bite humans because they don't know the consequences yet. However, baby ferrets are easier to train than adult ferrets. If you train them consistently, baby ferrets will stop biting after a few weeks. Baby ferrets bite humans to seek attention, to invite play, or to be put down. Follow the guidelines below to prevent the ferret from biting when it is unloaded.
- Hold the ferret so it can't bite.
- Continue to hold the ferret as it squirms.
- Lower the ferret when it stops squirming.
- Give the ferret a compliment and say he is a good pet.
Step 2. Build trust with an adult ferret
Adult ferrets bite humans because they were not trained properly as babies and/or do not trust humans. Make sure your skin is in direct contact with adult ferrets when caring for them. It may take you several months to train an adult ferret to stop biting. Therefore, you must train your ferret consistently, firmly, and gently.
- The bite of an adult ferret is much stronger than that of a baby ferret. However, you should still try to hold it directly.
- Adult ferrets may feel nervous and suspicious when held.
Step 3. Train a ferret that bites out of fear
If a ferret lacked confidence or was poorly cared for as a baby, it may bite out of fear. Ferrets with these characteristics may be more afraid of humans if punished. Therefore, you should treat a ferret that bites out of fear gently. Before routinely handling the ferret, train the ferret to adapt to your touch.
- You can hand feed your ferret and reward it for good behavior.
- Once the ferret is used to eating from your hands, start holding the ferret.
- When you're new to ferret training, make sure your ferret training sessions aren't too long. Increase the duration of the ferret's training as he begins to feel comfortable.
Step 4. Stop the ferret biting while playing
Some ferrets bite humans to encourage play. When the ferret does this, release your grip and move away from it. Ferret may chase you when shunned because he wants to play. By ignoring them, the ferret will think that biting isn't the right way to get you to play.
- Give your ferret praise and treats when he is well-behaved.
- If the ferret bites while playing, stop playing with it.
Step 5. Understand how ferrets communicate
Some ferrets bite humans to communicate. When a ferret starts to bite, you may not understand what it wants. Ferret will probably rub his nose, come over and wait for your attention. Watch for these behaviors, then respond immediately when the ferret does. If you take too long to respond, the ferret will think that biting is the quickest way to get your attention.
- If a ferret bites for attention, ignore it.
- If the ferret bites when you want to lower it, hold the ferret for a few moments before lowering it. If the ferret is immediately lowered when it bites, the ferret will continue to bite you.
- Some ferrets don't like to be held too long. Pay attention to how the ferret responds.
Tips
- If a ferret suddenly bites for no apparent reason, its health may be compromised. Immediately consult a veterinarian.
- Ferret will bite when startled. Therefore, be careful when handling a sleeping ferret.
- Discipline the ferret as soon as possible. If you take too long to respond, the ferret won't understand.
- Show a consistent reaction when the ferret bites. The ferret training process takes time. Ferrets won't stop biting in one day.
- Be patient when training your ferret.
- Don't let the ferret play with other people until it's trained not to bite.
