Ferrets are strictly carnivorous animals. They have incredibly sharp teeth, perfectly designed for tearing through their meaty foods. However sometimes ferrets may use their teeth in play and mischief, biting their fellow ferrets and even their human owners. Teach your ferret that it is unacceptable to bite you, or you may end up with very painful bites on your hands.

In their natural environment, mother ferrets teach their kits not to bite. Often times, the mother ferrets will teach their young ferrets by scruffing them. Scruffing means to hold the ferret by the loose skin at the back of his neck.

There are a couple of ways in which you can teach your ferret to refrain from biting. Most of the time, a ferret will bite when you are playing with him. He usually has no malicious intentions behind the action. Rather he is simply excited and too caught up in the playtime. Remember that ferrets are much smaller than you so it is never wise to discipline them physically. You do not want to turn your ferret against you, or have him fear you.

Your best plan of action against a biting ferret is to sharply say “Ow” and pull away from your ferret. Most ferrets will take the hint and stop biting. If your ferret continues to bite, you may want to walk away from the situation for a few minutes until your ferret calms down. Some people recommend putting your ferret into his cage while he calms down. Next time you take him out to play, be sure to offer plenty of praise when he is being polite and not biting you. The second he begins to bite again, repeat the “OW” and end playtime. He will quickly learn that it is unacceptable to bite humans.

Some people advocate using the scruffing method on your ferret when he tries to bite you. However remember that you are larger than another ferret, so use care and caution when physically responding to your ferret. Usually the end of playtime will act as a strong enough incentive to your ferret to keep him from biting you. Remember to handle your ferret frequently so he is able to burn extra energy. A well-adjusted mature ferret should easily accept that he is not supposed to bite other people.