ferret keeps scratching no matter what i do

[chris_C]

Hello! my name is chris and I've had ferrets all of my life. I've always gotten my ferrets from pet shops or individual breeders. I have two lil boys critter and fruka and they're about 2-3 years old and they are best friends. my problem is that no matter what i do fruka scratches and there nothing i can do to stop him besides putting him back in his care. i know that they can get bored really easy so i always try to switch things up to keep it interesting. i try to play with fruka and make toys for him and h*ll start to play but a few seconds into it he runs away as if he's terrified but then h*ll pop back out to play then run away scared. its so bizarre because it seems like he wants to play but then acts like he's scared. i got fruka from a cpl who had no clue what they had gotten themselves into and they couldn't keep him anymore. i think the lack of experience from the previous owner has damaged fruka mentally...just because critter came from a house with experienced ferret owners and he never has problems scratching and he loves playing. one thing i did notice is fruka has no problem playing with critter.
 
any help would be much appreciated..i want fruka to be happy

[Heather]

Scratches, as with claws? You? or other things? If it's a particularly nervous ferret it just happens, the more you work with them the less it happens. Some ferrets are worse than others. My Dodger is particularly bad but he's an abuse case. I don't mind because at least now he doesn't bite. It's just another thing on our long we will get there list. The more you handle and let them out the less you will see of these nervous tics.
ciao

[Sherry]

He is likely afraid he is going to be dropped or hurt if you are holding him when he scratches. If that is the case try walking with him while giving him a favourite treat. Teaching him hands are fun and safe will be your best bet.