Help with ferret biting

[Val]

Hi,

I have two ferrets that I've had since they were babies (marshalls) and they're great - never nip.

I just rescued an approximately one year old female (a marshall) that came from a home with a very old gentleman that never properly handled her. She bites - and hard. Shes a cinnamon color but with albino eyes. I'm pretty sure she's doing it out of fear, as she did not bite the gentleman I got her from. Any suggestions on how to correct this behavior would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

[Heather]

She's probably biting out of fear and stress. I use time outs and treats for fear biters. You want her to understand that hands, "all" hands are good. To do this you need a tiny cat crate with absolutely nothing in it. When she bites you, that's where she goes. No more than 3 min....when you go to take her out give her a treat. Oil works good. I use fish oil. She bites again....in the crate. I use a loud no (more for my benefit than theirs as most of my biters are deafies) when they bite. You have to be consistent and everyone who handles her has to do the same thing. Often the biting will escalate a bit but I think the wee one is stressed and is feeling a bit adrift and like a small child is just lashing out. If you've got some RR (rescue remedy) I would put some in her water. If she didn't bite her previous handler she will probably start to feel comfortable with you and stop biting too.
I hope that helps a bit

ciao