Hello all,
I would really appreciate some help!
Yesterday I rescued a young female ferret, very scared, who was found in somebody's garage, I got her home and setup
a cage with fresh water, a variety of meat (have read raw is the way to go) and some material for her to snuggle up in.
She has been eating and drinking like it's going out of fashion, for which I am happy as she must of been starving.
When I have had her out of the cage she has been quite aggressive with me, hissing and has bitten me several times, 1 was really serious, she was very close to taking a good sized chunk out of my thumb.
I had read that 'scruffing' was a good option for discipline (and was needed to separate her teeth from my fingers)
We aren't allowed ferrets as pets in my country, and if found are euthanized.
I understand there to be an underground group of owners around my country, but naturally getting in touch with such people will not be easy.
I know a vet that I should be able to work with if needed in the future.
Has anyone got any ideas as to how I may cut down the biting and generally improve our relationship?
Just to break it down:
- Female
- Around a year old (based on the teeth)
- Found in an urban environment, either escaped or abandoned (not wild, suspect abused, neglected or had very little human contact)
- Shows aggression towards me, and if able will seriously bite me (lots of blood)
- When held is very scared (I can feel her shaking)
- Illegal to own in my country
- If found will be euthanized
- Vet known, will likely be cooperative
- Would love to keep her as a pet if at all possible, understanding the consequences for both of us
Thankyou for reading,
I eagerly await your reply.
K