tough getting ferret to play with me

[nannah]

I have two ferrets, a girl (Kinga) and a boy (Misio). they're about 2-3 years old.
Kinga loves to play with Misio, toys, and with me, but Misio doesn't want anything to do with me when he plays. he'll interact with Kinga and with toys but when I try to engage him, he'll give me this 'wtf' look like I'm interrupting something super important.

I got him in February, but it's been long enough for us to get used to each other! and he does cuddle with me almost every single day. but he just doesn't want to play with me! what can I do?

[Deleted]

It could just be personality! I've already noticed with my two boys, one loves to exclusively play by interaction and the other only wants to play by exploration and independent puzzle games. If he's able to cuddle and fall asleep on you he's totally bonding with you, but maybe he just has other kinds of play interests is all...

[nannah]

ah, okay, sorry! (sorry, Misio)

just wanted to make sure. yeah, some of his favorite games are bags/dig boxes/etc. thanks!

[Deleted]

Jun 12, 2016 17:24:48 GMT -5 nannah said:

I have two ferrets, a girl (Kinga) and a boy (Misio). they're about 2-3 years old.
Kinga loves to play with Misio, toys, and with me, but Misio doesn't want anything to do with me when he plays. he'll interact with Kinga and with toys but when I try to engage him, he'll give me this 'wtf' look like I'm interrupting something super important.

I got him in February, but it's been long enough for us to get used to each other! and he does cuddle with me almost every single day. but he just doesn't want to play with me! what can I do?

Sometimes it takes longer for some ferrets to form bonds with their humans. The more they get used to you, the more likely they'll play. My Haru and Yuuki don't really play with me these days, but I can still egg them on and they'll do it when they're in the mood. Haru, Is the less likely out of my ferrets for play with human, she prefers to wonder around and do her own thing. Yuuki these days is the same but plays with the others, and will play with me if I engage play sometimes. Beavis on the other hand is so willing, throw in a hand and he'll play.  Try different toys, Fluffy toys, toys on lines and dangle, toys that make noises. There's bound to be something that will intrigue him and get him interested in some play.  

Haru for example, won't play with me if I use a toy that doesn't make noise.
She prefers noisy toys. A bear with a bell inside is her favourite. Lol!

Beavis prefers contact play, hand play. Rub his belly and he goes crazy.
Play with other toys and he loses a lot of interest for some reason. lol

Yuuki likes towel or sheet rides over other toys. Or something under a blanket, like a moving foot, oh yes, he'll get it. I also use an old dressing gown rope thing with a bell on the end, Haru and Yuuki both love that.

The more you engage, the more likely they'll get used to you and may try playing.  
Every ferret has different likes and dislikes, or preferred toys and such.

[missyannie]

My boys don't do much playing with me but my two girls love tickling tummies, being tossed into dog beds, etc. I think it's just personality.
None of my ferrets really play with toys.

[Aftershock]

Out of my boys Gator is mostly about toys and Croc, where Croc is more about Gator and feet. Croc is deaf though, so I can't blame him. When I got Gator, I got a sheet and fluffed it up, he goes CRAZY! He likes to war weasel and jump on the air bubbles, but Croc is more into tunneling under. I like to pick them up while they are playing and rub them together to rile them, then lightly toss them on the bed, they will war weasel and try to jump back into my arms to do it again. Gator has his one special game that Croc won't play and that is the run-hop through the door and get lightly tossed on a soft thing and repeat. Croc just LOVES chasing after me if I walk around. So I end up walking around with ferrets bouncing around me.
Here's the first day we got Gator and were sheet playing with them.

[Deleted]

Some are simply explorers like my Ponce who was named after Ponce de Leon the explorer. Try following him around and showing him everything from the sink running to the curtains on the windows.
Some take their time and begin to really develop personalities after much longer than you would expect.
Some are simply lazy like my Mika and prefer to nap or just get snuggles. She'll play but often only for about 15 minutes and then especially with Keller who is tiny and a gentle one.
Just keep trying and looking for what he enjoys but you might find he is simply a bit of an introvert and prefers alone time.
Seasons can make a difference also. You brought Misio home during the winter when they tend to be more likely to want to sleep more. Spring can bring big changes sometimes. Mine are full of spring fever and in their third year here, they just can't seem to stop dooking and are extremely and hilariously vocal.
:wave3:

[nannah]

Thank you everyone! and yeah, it's true I got him in the winter. I think I really have to watch him throughout the seasons to really see what he likes to do/play with.

and Aftershock, that video is so adorable!! I've played with Kinga and a sheet before. Misio wasn't as interested, but I'll try it with him again. I've never heard of rubbing them together to rile them up, but that sounds so fun! I'll have to do that as soon as possible. <3

He has struck me as more of an explorer type. He always climbs to the highest of possible places to just scout everything out, haha. I can't wait till I train him on the harness so we can go outside and he can explore further.

again, thank you so much! these are such fun tips. 

[Aftershock]

Nannah, Misio could end up just being happy to tunnel/explore under it like my deaf boy. I also have a guitar hero guitar box that we leave out for them and I cut a hole next to the closed end, a plastic bag with the handles cut (and only played with when I'm there), and so many blankets. Seriously, my boys love to tunnel.
Especially behind me if I sit down.
thank you by the way! That video is one of my favorites along with Gator and Croc meeting.
I second you on the harness training! I'm in the process of getting them used to harnesses.