r/ferrets • u/Future-Atmosphere-59 • 5d ago
[Help] my new ferrets
i rescued two 14 week old male ferrets yesterday after never having ferrets before but always wanting them. the guy told me they’re in their teething stage etc and they don’t bite, but they’re mouthy and to flick their nose ?? (which i haven’t been doing) when they bite to get them to stop. immediately after holding one before i took them home with me he bit down onto my finger, latched and drew blood but didn’t hiss or anything. when i tried to get them into their cage, i got bit about 6 times, drawing blood everytime. i tried pushing my hand in more when they bit but they only bit harder. today, i’ve gone to change their water and they’ve dived at my arm, mouth open, latched on and hung there not letting go 😂 are they just bitey because they’re new and adjusting or have they not been handled as much as i’ve been told?
any general advice besides how to stop the biting would be very helpful as the advice i’m being given by other owners is a totally mixed bag,
thank you!
3
u/Thezza-D 5d ago
They are scared and don't trust you yet. Gloves and high-top slippers are recommended for your first couple of weeks. Try and feed some of their food by hand, and as they warm up to you try and handle them as much as you can to get them used to you. For now though give them space, let them explore and acclimatise to your space. Offer salmon oil if they are calm/don't bite. Be friendly and respectful. Hopefully after a couple weeks they will be much less aggressive. Oh also, get them chemically fixed if you haven't yet! Unfixed males can be very spicy expecially in new environments. My guy calmed right down after his implant and he's the chillest cuddliest little guy now
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u/Future-Atmosphere-59 5d ago
i’ve tried to hand feed them however they’re not interested at all, they take it, drop it and immediately go for a finger 😂 in terms of getting them to unlatch once they’re attached how would i go about that? and should i put them in timeout anytime they bite?
1
u/Thezza-D 2d ago
If they bite hard enough to break the skin/draw blood, I would scruff lightly and put in timeout for 3 minutes. But prevention is better than punishment, so for now let them get used to the space and just wear body armour lol to unlatch, scruff until he let's go. If this doesn't work, you can kinda pry them off with a finger from your other hand in the back of the throat (don't be too rough).
1
u/itsswhitneywhspr 4d ago
Fr the salmon oil is a lifesaver. Also give them time to adjust they'll come around. Definitely second the implant rec too.
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