Hey, Sorry if this is simple question but its driving me nuts.. I have a lovely little jill whos 14/15 weeks old and shes good, poops normal, eats normal, drinks normal etc etc but. if I put my hand 1/2inchs close to her she'll go and bite and wont let go? Does anyone have any tips on stopping her doing this.. I normally give her butter, vitamin paste or other treats to distract her but been doing it for 3 week and shes starting to expect it so its not learning her its more "here a treat" .. Once shes picked up shes fine, she doesnt wiggle, try to bite or anything. I've read scuffing them is the best way but shes really tiny for a female and she has nothing to scuff.. Ive tried while ive been holding her. I've had ferrets before but they have been good and handleable when Ive gotten them.. Also im from the Uk

Here are some suggestions on nip training.

1. Pick the ferret up gently but firmly by the scruff and say "NO" loudly each time the ferret tries to nip.

2.  Drag your ferret by the scruff for a short distance on a soft carpet or bed.  Ferrets do this to each other to show dominance.  You are teaching your pet that you are the alpha ferret.

3.Do not give up.

4.  Some people like to spray their hands with bitter apple extract to discourage nipping.  I find that this stuff upsets my ferret stomachs, causes some funky poop. So I don't use this stuff.

5.  Do not quit giving a nipping ferret attention.  They need more attention, not less.

6.  Cuddle your ferret and talk constantly in a gentle, soothing voice. 

7.  Never play using your hands, always use a toy.

8.  Time out cage -   I like to use a carrier, not their regular cage. 

I have used this technique on biters.  It works for me. You can give it
a try.  
  
*I want you to hold your ferret.  Put your ferret into the  bit
hold. 
* Start walking around the house with your ferret.
* While walking around the house, pet your ferret.....talk to
her/him in a soft voice

  When your ferrets starts to get nervous or tries to bit you. I want you
to gently swing her/him. back and forth.  You can do this while he/she is in the bit hold andwhile you are walking around the house.  Keep talking to her.  Once little one stop thinking about biting you, or has calm down.  Then stop the swing motion and go back to petting and
talking to her.

  Repeat if you have to....

I like to work with them with this technique for good 20 - 30 minutes.

Every time, I pick them up.....if they have any idea of biting mom. Well
we go for a swing....
 
This works in our household and I hope this helps.  It may not work for
all ferrets.  
  
  
Good luck and keep us posted on your progress.

I cant scuff her, She has nothing to scuff.. Thats why im having difficulties.. When I pick her up Shes fine, She doesnt bite its fact of trying to pick her up which I cant do.. I normally give her a treat then when shes chewing away grab her.. She gets attention, way too much attention even from my cat but has yet to meet him outside of the cage til her biting is in order... Thanks for the Advise I'll try give the walking around with her a go.. Also its not nipping, I know why shes nips to play.. its the biting and not letting go which I have the issue with heh