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The ferret in the house as a pet has become increasingly popular. And this is not surprising - the ferrets get along well with the person, do not gnaw furniture and wires, they are quite unpretentious. However, they have one serious drawback - they bite. And bite quite strongly. The ferret's teeth are very sharp, strong and long, if desired, they can easily shatter the human bone. But even if the baby does not wish you evil, in a playful form, he can gnaw so that it does not seem like a little. But do not despair or refuse to play with animals because of this. This ferret behavior can be changed. And then you turn the most biting slyuku into a tender animal.
Why ferret bites
In order to wean the animal from certain habits, you need to determine what is their nature. It is clear that the ferret from nature is very biting. Teeth help him to defend himself, to find food.With the help of bites, he establishes his superiority over the other members of the pack, keeps the female by the withers when mating. But what makes the animal bite a man? This can occur for several reasons.
- If the ferret has spent the first months of its life with an experienced breeder, the animal usually does not bite. This is because man has managed to convey to the animal that it is impossible to bite. And if every time you complain about the bites of the animal, but do not take action, the ferret may well think that this behavior is absolutely normal. He just does not know that it is impossible to bite. And the more he uses this habit, the more difficult it is to wean him from it. It is much easier to bring a ban on the bites of a young ferret than an adult animal.
- Another reason the ferret bites is an unfamiliar environment. When an animal enters a new house, it is surrounded by strangers and animals, he does not know what to expect. He tries to show his aggression and ability to stand up for himself. Therefore, in this state it is better not to touch the ferret. As soon as the baby appears at your home, give it a couple of days to adapt. When he masters new territories, gets used to his surroundings and realizes that he is not in danger of anything, one can begin acquaintance.It should be noted that in a similar stressful situation after the change of residence bite even the most harmless animals that have never done this before.
- Sometimes a ferret can bite just because it does not know and does not love people. This most often occurs if you bring an adult animal into the house that has either grown up in nature or has not had close contact with a person. Adult ferrets can not be punished for bites (retaliation), it can harden even more. It is better to give him time to explore the territory, get comfortable, get used to the situation. Do not impose your communication to the animal, and even more so, do not expose his hands and fingers. Wait until the animal starts to make contact.
- Sometimes a ferret can bite, as if checking how far it can go. Thus he shows his position. Do not let the ferret bite you in any way. Do not stand the pain.
- The ferret can bite the host as a game. He thinks that after the bite the owner is worried, angry, noisy and he likes it. Prevent this behavior on the vine - say the animal "You can not."
- Very often the ferret bites for resentment and lack of attention.Think about how often you've played with an animal lately?
- If your animal has never bitten, and suddenly began to bite you at every meeting, perhaps the animal is sick. When a ferret has a pain, he doesn’t want to be touched, so he bites at that moment. Perhaps the animal should be shown to the vet.
Having found out the reason for the ferret's behavior, you can build a line of your actions that will lead to continued success.
What to do if you are bitten by a ferret
First you need to get rid of his teeth. The animal's fangs are positioned in such a way that if you pull the ferret's closed teeth, you will get even more serious injury and pain. Especially unpleasant bites for the nose. If the ferret does not want to open its jaws, bring it under water. However, this should often not be done - a ferret can catch a cold. But as a sobering measure - a completely acceptable method.
Immediately after the bite, tell the ferret something like “No!”, “No!”. At the same time, take the ferret by the collar and lightly slap it with a fingernail on the nose. The ferret's nose is sensitive enough, so this punishment is quite effective.At the same time you can sizzle in the face of the animal so that saliva splashes out of your mouth. On the one hand, the ferret will dodge - it will be unpleasant. On the other hand, you will show your displeasure in a natural language. You can also pinch a little ferret to the floor and shuffle it back and forth a little. If an animal has become extremely stubborn, you can use such a tool - just grab the animal with your teeth by the scruff on the neck and drag it in different directions until the animal starts to squeal. The ferret's withers are very thick, it is difficult for him to harm in this way. But you will be able to show him your superiority.
After that, it is important to offer the animal your finger again. Most likely, the animal will bite you again. However, you should suffer and repeat the punishment. This should be done until the animal turns away from your finger. You cannot retreat halfway, as you admit your defeat. When the baby finally doesn’t bite the finger offered to him, stroke the animal, say sweet words to it, treat it to a treat.
How to wean a ferret biting
There are several ways to help you wean the animal off biting.
- Spread your hands before playing chloramphenicol or something bitter, sharp. An unpleasant taste after a bite will make the animal think a hundred times before biting the second time.
- Keep in mind that the punishment must be consistent. If you hit the ferret on the nose 5 minutes after being bitten, he will not understand what he did wrong.
- If during the entire game the ferret never bit you, it should be rewarded - treat your pet with a piece of fish or meat.
- If no physical effects can help wean the ferret to bite, do this right after the bite. Put the animal in your cage and no longer play with it for a while. The ferret is a very social animal, loves to play and the host doesn’t pay attention to it very painfully. Especially if he sees how the game continues with other animals or ferrets.
- Sometimes a ferret can start biting if it smells of something new for you - perfume, alcohol, the smell of laundry detergent. Try not to provoke the animal and do not play with it in the presence of a strong odor.
If you are annoyed and screwed up, you should not communicate with animals in such a mood. You can rip the anger on him - this is unacceptable. Remember that a bite for a ferret is quite a normal action. And often the animal bites you, not because it wants to hurt you, but simply because of its nature. The main task of the owner in this case - to convey to the animal that a person can not bite. And then the ferret will be your best friend.
Video: weaning ferret biting
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