no scratching!?

[Deleted]

We have a pull out couch which we have tried everything to keep the ferrets out of, including a very ugly slip cover. Though they can not get into the couch anymore, they know they once could! This has resulted in constant digging/scratching at the couch to try an get in. They ruined said ugly slip cover within a day of getting it (pulling threading loose).
We were cough hunting to find one that they could/didn't know they can get into as they do leave the other one alone. However all couch money went to Neka's surgery, so thats been put off for a while.

I can't band them from that room as the main floor is open concept and they have full access to the main floor.
Can't move couch to another area.

Can you teach them to not scratch at it through time outs?? Time outs worked great for Neka's biting. Can I do this with Zeke, he seems more obsessed over it.

Any suggestions??

[Deleted]

Mine do that to my box spring that sits on the floor..
I pulled it away from the wall once but they immediately pooped behind it so I won't let them anymore. But now they've had a taste of it, they won't give it up. I've had to duct tape up two of the corners they were so badly damaged..

now I use bitter apple spray, it works, but it dissipates after a day or two so I have to keep using lots of it. I keep hoping they'll get the hint and move on, but they continually test it.

[Sherry]

Time outs never worked for my diggers The only thing that has is putting up something that they can't damage by the scratching Any way you can staple some carpet protector on the area of the sofa where they are scratching? Or even just building a wooden frame with 2/4's around the base might work.
After the habit is broken(hopefully), you'd be able to remove it.

[Deleted]

Already stapled the cover to the couch I was so frustrated lol, what's a bit of carpeting .
Ill look into the 2/4 frame hmmm
Ya that's why I just want to get some thing new lol
Ya know there are days its a good thing they are so freakin cute... Hmm used to say that about my skin kids lol

[Heather]

My guys ruined a leather sofa, love seat and recliner. So we now have a futon and a leather chair and ottoman from Ikea. Not the style I was wanting but it is too high for them to dig at and if they're on it you can't get into it so no point in digging there either The only reason to get up on the futon is to chase the cats (they need exercise anyway, lazy things)
ciao

[kristin]

Mine were scratching the living daylights out of my leather sofa (from underneath -- trying to get into the lining) so I took the legs off. Now it sits flush with the floor and it's not very interesting to them. Also I have a few big softie blankets draped over it so if they decide to mess with the sofa, they get the blanket, which slides off and distracts them while they tunnel through it.

Now for the carpet-under-the-door digging problem...