What is the easiest way to hold a ferret? (2023)

How do you get a ferret used to being held?

Always handle your ferret gently but firmly. What about 'scruffing'? Scruffing refers to immobilising a ferret by holding it by its scruff on the back of its neck. It is not a method for handling a ferret, and ferrets should never be picked up in this manner.

Ferrets really enjoy spending time with their human companions are usually happy to be picked up and cuddled. If they're frightened or accidentally hurt, ferrets can give a strong bite. Getting them used to being picked up when they're young is really important.

Many ferrets like to snuggle with their humans. One thing you can try is getting a hoodie with a front pocket. Your furry little pal may like to curl up in there as you're relaxing. You can also lie down on the floor with a blanket.

While a ferret's "dance of joy" is an invitation to play, they can also display similar behaviors when they are unhappy or feel threatened. This includes a puffed-up tail and bared teeth. You should be able to tell the difference because an unhappy ferret will back away from you, and it may shriek or hiss.

Use your fingers to pet and rub its head, neck, belly, and back. Most ferrets will respond positively to belly rubs and soft scratches. You can also press the ferret to your chest area and carry it around the house to show it affection.

A ferret may bite because of pain, but they may also bite to get attention. When you are busy and the ferret wants to play, it is common for them to nip your foot or ankle to say “Hey! I'm down here and I want something.” Realistically, that's the one part of you these short little animals can reach.

Baby ferrets (kits), especially, nip as an invitation to play. But ferrets have very tough skin, and a play-bite to another ferret may be an “ouch-nip” to a human. Ferrets must be gently taught that nipping a human is not socially acceptable behavior. Kits that nip and are not corrected may grow into adults that bite.

It's worth noting that the ferret's skin is thicker and tougher than human skin, so when ferrets nip at each other in play, they don't inflict any real pain. But when they nip at a human, it can hurt.

How do you calm a ferret down?

If your ferret struggles while holding it, it is possible to calm them down by gently swaying them backwards and forwards, this relaxes them and they seem to enjoy it. Do this by grasping them gently, but firmly around the shoulders as described above.

Kissing. Just as in humans, your ferret kissing you on the lips can be a sign of affection. It can also mean that your ferret likes the flavor of your lip balm or of the turkey sandwich that you had for lunch.

Slip your hand under your ferret's feet.

You should never lift your ferret merely by its scruff – you can damage your ferret's skin and really hurt it. After you've pinched its scruff, slide your hand under both of your ferret's feet to support the weight of its body.

Ferrets and dogs were also both more likely to accept food from their owners than from strangers, while the wild mustelids made their approach decisions randomly, equally preferring their owners and a stranger (In fact, there was a slight but statistically insignificant preference for the stranger!)

One of the best ways to make your ferret happy is to play with it. Humans are the best toys that ferrets could have. Play can be free-form (just for the sake of play) or it can be structured (training your ferret to do tricks, for example). As long as you do it together, your ferret will be happy.

Germs can spread from ferret bites and scratches, even if the wound does not seem deep or serious. Ferret bites can become seriously infected or spread rabies, especially if the ferret is unvaccinated and has had contact with a rabid animal. Young children are especially at risk for bites from ferrets.

They should be let out for at least two to three hours a day, though the more the better. They are intelligent, curious, and socially interactive animals. They need a safe, "ferret-proofed" play area or room where they can explore and investigate while supervised.

Sad ferrets may spend time in areas their buddy used to frequent. They may also slouch, flatten themselves out, and sigh. Unlike sick ferrets, sad ferrets won't squint. Ferrets are quite inquisitive, charming, and frisky little pets.

Why does my ferret hiss like a snake? Ferrets hiss when they're mad or scared. “The ferret is really just trying to tell others that if you start messing with me 'I'm going to bite you and make you regret it,'” Dutton said. He advises you not pick up a hissing ferret, because you may get bitten.

How can I make my ferret more affectionate?

Hold and pet your ferret.

Use your fingers to pet and rub its head, neck, belly, and back. Most ferrets will respond positively to belly rubs and soft scratches. You can also press the ferret to your chest area and carry it around the house to show it affection.

A good relationship between your ferrets can develop in a week's time, or it can take six months. Be patient and don't rush through any of the steps as you try to get them adjusted to each other. In very rare instances, a ferret may not want to be social with other ferrets.

Some of the things you can try are trick training, taking your ferret out for walks on a lead, playing together and providing them with a number of games and toys to play with. Don't be affraid to get down on the ground and spend a lot of time interacting with them.

All you have to remember is that bonding two ferrets can take time, from days to weeks, even months. Just have patience and everything will work out. Don't let your ferrets be unsupervised until you can see them sleeping together and grooming each other. When that happens, you know that they will be friends forever!

It could be getting ready to bite you. No one really knows why some ferrets do the lick-lick-chomp behavior. Perhaps the first two to three licks are the ferret's way to warn you that it wants to be put down. The “chomp” part gets the ferret its way if you ignore the first part of the warning.

If your ferret loves you, he will kiss you on the arm, face (especially nose and eyebrows), feet, and any other part of the body. But, kissing can also be a sign of a ferret inviting you to play which is a sign of affection itself so I don't mind it and I am sure you wouldn't either.

Adult ferrets bite because they were not trained properly when they were younger and/or they have problems trusting humans. They will need direct skin to fur contact when you handle them. It will take a few months to train them to stop biting, but you need to be consistent, firm, and gentle with them.

Your ferret will follow you around the house. They want to be a part of your activity and see what you're into, even if all that you are doing is pacing back and forth.

Smart (and Healthy) Treats

Speaking of treats, ferrets love them! Good treats for ferrets include cooked egg, cat treats, and bits of chicken, turkey, or lamb. Meanwhile, you should avoid giving your ferret any grains, vegetables, ice cream, or chocolate.

Bonding with your ferrets

As with most animals, start slowly when introducing yourself to your ferrets. Try placing a t-shirt with your smell into their enclosure so they can get used to your scent. Gently speak to them when you walk past their housing so they get used to your voice.

What's a ferret's favorite toy?

Most ferrets love tunnels, so you'll find several on this list. Our top ferret toy is an extreme tunnel that is sure to provide lots of entertainment. This very flexible vinyl tunnel stretches to 20 feet and is clear so you can watch the fun. It can also be re-arranged or connected to other toys.

Ferrets are highly sociable creatures. They can be kept on their own, as long as they receive plenty of attention and play time from humans. If this is not possible, it might be best to keep more than one ferret. Ideally, ferrets should be kept either in a pair or a small group.

Ferrets need at least two to three hours of exercise outside of their cages each day. Commercial ferret food is available at pet supply stores. Make sure that it has 30 to 38 percent protein, 15 to 22 percent fat and no more than three percent fiber because ferrets have difficulty digesting fiber.

Exercise. Ferrets are energetic, social animals that require a great deal of play and interaction. At a minimum, ferrets need 2 to 4 hours every day outside their cage to remain healthy.