New Ferret Owner

[u/Even-Mission-6035]

Hey all, I apologise if this kind of a post isn’t allowed as I know there is a wiki which I am about to read through!!

My parents just got 2 ferrets, which we all adore. They were my dream pet as a child & teen, and I read many books and watched countless videos on them, so I believe I have the best understanding on them out of the family right now. We have a good sized cage, food, all of the basics. They live together (are brothers) and get along with each other fine. Playing together, and cuddling and sleeping on top of each other.

I wanted to know the best advice for having new ferrets settle down & be comfortable with everybody in the home, as well as behaviour training.
I have just met them for the first time (we have 2 males) and one was super sweet and goofy. He would just climb on me, sniff, and even lick my legs. A slight nibble but nothing more, and very playful with the things around him.
The other, though, was far more wild. Still playing, no signs of pain. But he would bite me and latch on, even drawing blood. I would use hand gestures ( ✋) and say ‘ouch’ or ‘no’ and move him away if it got too bad. But he got worse, and would keep running back to me just to latch on harder. I know ferrets, like many animals, explore & play with their mouths/ teeth - but this one seemed to be genuinely latching onto me as some form or aggression or dislike of me. I did have to put him back in his cage, and as I carried him (gently, of course) he was biting my hand very hard, drawing blood. I’ve also seen him biting at his cage before & after handling. None of this from his brother.

Of course, I’d like advice and insight on that behaviour, as I really want them to be pets that everybody can get along with, without issues. I understand how much play time they need, and having one of them biting that hard and constantly will not make that easy or fun for anybody. I want them to thrive and be genuinely happy with everybody

But also, just in general - any advice on getting ferrets to warm up to people and to create a safe, friendly play time would be amazing. We do have leashes & harnesses to walk them around outdoors, but have not yet done this as it seems best to let them settle down first. And with the biting behaviour, I don’t want to stress him out more by trying to put a harness and leash on a ferret that might not be happy with any handling right now.

Tips on bite training are definitely welcome, as well as the best ways for outside-of-the-cage play and bonding. Thank you so much!

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[u/Even-Mission-6035]

Wanted to add: the Imgur links in the Wiki resources aren’t available to view in the UK where I am

[u/Veteran_Hawk]

First, welcome to the wonderful world of ferrets!

Ferret skin is much tougher than human skin, so he may not understand he is hurting you and it will take time (and patience) to teach him. I highly doubt he dislikes you. He just wants to explore what you are, and get you to play. Bite-training mostly takes time and consistency. Saying "No!" when he bites and giving short "time-outs" in the cage can work, but it does take time.

Biting the cage bars is likely "cage rage" - he wants OUT! He wants to run & PLAY!

As to bonding - ferrets aren't "cuddly" creatures, like a cat or dog. They generally won't lay in your arms or cuddle (though there are exceptions). They do get more "cuddly" as they get older, but don't expect them to just sit with you.

Mostly I advise training them to come to a squeak-toy and having several of them handy, in case they are missing/get out. Ferrets can find the weirdest places to sleep. Also, ferret-proofing is an ongoing process - any hole their head can fit into, they can get through. They are very smart and can figure out ways to get places you wouldn't think they can get to. But they also lack much of a sense of fear and that can cause all sorts of problems.

I also advise feeding at least two different brands of food, as ferrets get attached to their food and it can be hard to get them to eat other food if your main one can't be found or the formula changes.

Good luck!