How to Play with Your Pet Ferret?

Ferrets are the most active and fun loving pets around so they may be difficult to handle for people who do not a very active lifestyle or are too busy to take out enough play time for their pets. Therefore, one should think carefully before bringing a ferret home because the pet is the responsibility of the owner. Ferrets which do not get sufficient play time become dejected frustrated and may even show signs of aggression. Here are some basic guidelines to help you define the boundaries of your fun times.

Eradicating biting behavior

Ferrets need to be taught the distinction between their fellow ferrets and human beings. Naturally, they are extremely social creatures and playfully nip at one another when engaged in a game. To teach your ferret that biting will not be tolerated, apply something bitter yet safe like bitter apple on your hands. This way the ferret will associate biting you with that bad taste and not attempt it again. If this does not solve the problem turn to the option of holding a ferret by the thick skin on the back of its neck and dragging it a short distance called scruffing. This is natural behavior that ferrets exhibit among their own kind so your ferret will not be traumatized by it. In case, your ferret still does not get the point, try giving it a timeout to stress the severity of the matter. Taking away a ferret’s playing privileges will surely get your point across because ferrets live for fun.

Good games

Chasing and playing tag like games are among the top favorites of ferrets. They are also keen to play hide and seek with their owners. Ferrets love to burrow inside soil and leaves in their natural habitat but because it is not possible in a domestic environment there are other options to keep them happy. You can provide tube like structures they would love to pass through. They also enjoy slides so keeping a safe slide would make it ecstatic. Ferrets love to jump and catch things like toy balls and chase them around so such toys would be a good idea. Tugging games can be great fun but care must be taken not to damage any of the ferret’s teeth or gums. There are a number of reliable online shopping US pet stores that sell ferret supplies including pet toys at reasonable prices. One such site is www.lovemypets.com that provide the option of comparison shopping and offers a huge variety of ferret supplies for your beloved pet.

Striking your pet

This is a big no! You should never ever hit your ferret on any part of its body. Not only is it inhumane, ferrets have delicate bodies. You may easily damage a vital organ by applying too much pressure on one spot. This could also lead to the complete deterioration of your bond with your pet. Your ferret will fear you ad not wish to play with you anymore and become distrustful of you and humans in general. Even though ferrets love playing rough they might injure themselves easily so you must keep an eye on them.

Attention span

Ferrets are quick to move from one game to the next in a brief amount of time because they have a limited attention span from 20-30 minutes. It is a good idea to plan things beforehand and play along with your pet’s mood. It will be up for all kinds of game as long as you both enjoy yourselves. They are really fast metabolisms so they are wide awake in no time from naps and are eager to play all the time they spend awake. You need to comply with its needs and gently ease its playtime to suit your own timetable. They are fast learners and just need a bit of patience and understanding.

Ferrets are affectionate pets that give unconditional love to their owners and bond with them in no time at all. It is very rewarding to have them in their lives pet owners say. However, the needs of your pet come first so be sure you will be able to give them exactly what they need.