Chin Biting

[Deleted]

A friend of mine has two female ferrets she has had for about 1 year 1/2. They were 11 months when she bought them off an individual who had bought them and didn't like them. They hadn't even been named.

She said the biting (everywhere) was intense when she first brought them home and slowly stopped over time. Except for one of them, who continues to bite ONLY chins.

She is a very busy ferret.. always adventuring and refuses to sit still.

I tried looking it up online but couldn't find any info. Why does she bite ONLY chins?

Thanks

[Heather]

I think chin biting is rather like nose biting. We kiss the brats and they reciprocate on the nearest large object which is often our nose or chin. Ferrets are opportunists....if your chin happens to be the biggest or most available part then that's what gets bitten
ciao

[whipple]

They taste better

[Deleted]

I think Heather nailed this one. It's most accessible, so it gets bitten . She should try short time outs when she gets bitten. 2-5 minutes at a time. Be consistent

[Sherry]

Agreed. Playtime immediately stops when that happens. I use a small cat carrier for that purpose. And yes, I still use the same carrier for going to the vet, or where have you. And they DO know the difference. Outings mean blankies, toys, etc.
Time outs mean a very bare carrier ;D
If you're friend is having a problem with it, she is more than welcome to come on here for some advice. Not a problem And she doesn't even have to be a raw feeder ;D

[Deleted]

Wouldn't an opportunity biter also bite hands? And you don't have to be showing affection. Even just picking her up and carrying her she will try to strike. It's not every time either. Sometimes she tries it and sometimes she doesn't

And I'll let her know the door is open I've been trying to convince her to come on here and make the switch and she's def thinking about it

[Deleted]

Some animals get "twitchy" around faces...I hink it has to do with breath... It's kind of instinctive to not stick your head in a lion's mouth.

Also remember that ferrets have poor eyesight to top off the face thing. Kachina was a face nipper (loved noses). I finally figure out hat the noise of a kiss flipped her out. She also gets very agitated by squeaky toys. So, if you need a "nose job" just pucker up and give kachina a big, noisy kiss, she horten your nose by an inch!!! LOL!!!

-jennifer

[Deleted]

So it could be face anxiety? If that is the case will she get over it? She should just be placed in that situation and put into "timeout" when she bites?

[Sherry]

It's also possible she's simply decided that's how to tell you she wants back down ;D
I wouldn't deliberately keep doing this, but just if it happens, then do the timeout with her. If you keep deliberately putting her in the situation for her to bite, and then punish, she'll start getting rather aggravated every time you pick her up.

[Deleted]

Little one may feel threaten by putting her up to your face. This is very threaten to them and humans. Think about, would you want someone in your face…..no.

Little one is biting for a reason…could there be a trust issue..yes, look how many times this ferret has been re-home.

Give her some time, she not ready to give kisses. I am sure in time once she feel comfortable she will give kisses out.

Don’t rush it…

-----------------
Here what I would do;

The only time she would come out is to play with mom. One on one.
She needs to gain mom's trust and bond with her. If you are the only person to play with....I am sure she will come around.

good luck and I hope this helps

[Deleted]

Ok thanks for the tips