I have two question

[GrimmFerret]

Hello! I'm a new ferret owner. I got a Grimm on March 2, at a near by petco. All the other ferrets were picking on him, but of course I would choose him. I felt bad for the little guy and when I was holding him I felt as if we bond a little. The pet store guy told me Grimm might be deaf. I try testing him and I got nothing. So it won't shock me if he is deaf. I'll ask the vet about it.







First question: I'm trying to potty train Grimm, but he is using his litter box as a bed. I know it takes time to potty train, but what I don't understand is why when I put his poop in the litter box he takes it right back out. He does have a hammock and I even put one of my shirts on the bottom of the cage. How can I potty train him if he is taking the poop out?







Second question: It took Grimm a few hours to find out how to climb the ladder I put in his cage to get to the second leave. The only problem is he only use it to go up, not down. He likes to go on his hammock and jump down on the side. I'm scared he might hurt him self. He always lands on his face first. How can I teach him to go down the ladder?







Thank you for you're time. =)

[RedSky]

Hi and welcome to HF, it's always nice to meet new ferrents and their ferrets.

I'll answer the second one first as that is probably the easiest to fix. My female is great at the ramps and climbing, she is so quick and nimble I wouldn't expect anything else. But my males, oh they just throw themselves up and down them, especially down.
Basically you need to try making the ladder less steep and therefore more user friendly. You can either swap it out for something else or put a box or something under it. I think the box would be the best idea (this will help with your first question). Could even just be a firm cardboard box.
Another option would be to find a tunnel the similar width as your ramp and use cable ties to attach it. Try to find one of those expanding tough tunnels, or something similar as the corrugated effect gives better grip.

As for the toilet training, he needs something that's an even better bed. It sounds like he's used to sleeping on the floor (most are from pet shops). What I would do is pull out the litter tray for a few days, put something else in like a puppy pad and add in a thick cardboard box and throw some fleecy blankets in. Normally they prefer something covered to sleeping out in the open (unless they are too warm). Once he's happy sleeping in there you can replace the puppy pads with the litter tray with what ever litter he is used to/you want to use. Make sure that the litter tray is in the corner he likes to go to the toilet.

[GrimmFerret]

Thank you very much Redsky!!!

[Deleted]

Looks like your question was answered, but wanted to say congrats and happy ferranting! ((I'd live to see pictures too!)

[GrimmFerret]

Thank you Princesscat. =) Here are some pictures.

[RedSky]

He is a very handsome little chap! I love sleepy ferret pictures but he's so bright eyes on the last one, looks like a very happy ferret. And what a great name too!

[Deleted]

OMG BEW(black eyed white) are probably one of my favorites! They are so wonderful!!!!!!!!! My Leon has become my number one, and he's a BEW!