Have you ever asked- why does my ferret bite my feet? Probably yes.
Biting is a natural phenomenon in ferrets like others such as jumping, digging, playing, and more. So, as a new ferret, you might get shocked by ferret biting.
In this article, I will give you a complete answer on biting ferrets, how to train your ferret not to bite, and more.
So, make sure you read till the end.
Content List
Why does my ferret bite my feet?
Various reasons are responsible for biting in ferrets like in either pet animals.
To be precise you can find out why your ferret is biting you. Observing their behavior, body language, and response toward food are some of the most common ways to know the reason for ferret bites.
Largely there are three types of ferret bites, gentle or light bite, sharp bite, and hard bite.
The kind of bite given by the ferret depends upon the current situation, mood, and mode of your friend.
Possible reasons for ferret biting are discussed later in the article.
When ferrets bite/reasons for ferret biting
Before coming to the reasons for ferret biting let me tell you biting is quite a normal thing for ferrets even within themselves.
The closest way to understand the normality of ferret biting is when mother ferrets hold their babies by neck or kits through teeth. In this way, she placed her babies from one place to another.
It’s best if your ferret never bites you but unfortunately, if he/she bites then immediately contact to ferret veterinarian. This will ensure the extent of the bite so that treatment can happen accordingly.
In some cases, the bite of a ferret is so hard that it can cause some serious injury which needs large-scale care and treatment.
On, that note, the following are the reasons for ferret biting.
1. Trying to communicate
When you haven’t given time to your furry friend for some time then there are higher chances that he/she may bite you.
Before biting ferrets will do activities like rolling in front of you or jumping over you.
In such cases, it’s clear that your ferret seeking attention and wants to be picked by you in playing.
2. Nibbles and Nips
Generally, a kit ferret nips to another ferret or a human. In this way, they are expanding their social boundary from others.
When two ferrets play they usually bite each other in the neck which seems to us like it got injured, but in actuality, the neck skin of ferrets is quite hard so they are fine.
On the other hand, when they bite humans it hurts and gets injured depending on the intensity of the bites.
3. Fear or pain biting
In both fear and pain states, the ferret bites quite intensely. Ferret may easily feared if they dealt with abusive behaviour previously. Then to the new owner to defend his/her fear they come as hard biting.
The other major time when ferrets give hard biting is in pain. The pain could be due to injury during playing or health issues.
In both veterinarian diagnosis is inevitable. Meanwhile, ferret bite will surely be in both of these ferret phases.
4. Not trained not to bite
Probably this is the biggest reason- Why does my ferret bite my feet?
Lack of training may make your ferret quite dangerous as he/she doesn’t have any idea about biting. So, your pet can’t difference between biting the owner and biting prey is different things.
As a new or old ferret owner, it would be best if you start training your pet from an early age. This will take time and effort but, it will be worth it.
By getting proper taring your ferret will be safe for you or any new person at your place.
5. Grabbing or seeking attention
Attempting to grab or seek attention is also a very popular thing in ferrets. To express it they bite usually at your feet.
Usually, ferret kits nap to catch their respective owners’ attention. The biting is gentle to sharp depending on the ferret’s mood.
Most of the adult ferrets learn how to express themselves to gain owners’ attention. Sometimes they also bite when not getting the most needed attention.
6. It’s playtime
When you are holding onto your bed or around you and your pet want to play. In such cases, he will give a delight bite.
However, other than biting ferrets also exhibit behavior like jumping front and back, dragging the body away from, and more.
So, in such cases, immediacy releases your ferret for play.
7. Smells trigger biting
As a new or old owner, it must you to known that the ferret is quite proactive to the smell.
Like the smell of nicotine such as cigarettes are quite hooked to ferrets and they start licking and biting you to enjoy the taste.
If you apply lotion to your feet then your furry friend will start biting to taste it. So, be careful with the great smell when going near ferrets or vice-versa.
8. Accident
Accidents are unplanned and undesired things that happen to us as humans and the same with ferrets as well.
Ferret’s accident happened while playing like when you throw a jumping ball and he ran to catch the ball. In such a situation to catch and drop the ball, he might catch or bite your toe.
Accidents in ferrets also take place when placed for a surprise homemade ferret treat. To catch the treat he/she runs and might catch your finger.
It’s important to note that, it is accidental and does not take place too often.
How to train your ferret not to bite? Or how do I get my ferret to stop biting my feet?
Knowing reasons why ferrets bite your feet is one thing and hunting or finding ways to stop is another thing and more important one as well.
If you have a baby ferret then it’s quite easy and comfortable to train him/her not to bite. On the contrary, if there are adult ferrets then it requires more effort and time to train them.
It would be best if you train your adult ferret under the guidance of a veterinarian. Because adult ferrets develop specific natures and behaviors that are hard to break or change.
Gladly there are multiple training ways through which you can stop your ferret from biting feet. These are as follows:
1. Create distractions for your ferret
The micro ferrets are even more excited and playful than the adult ones. During playing kits, ferrets bite frequently on feet or fingers.
So, to solve it you can create distractions like offering new toys for your ferret so that he/she can engage in it. And from the next time instead of biting you your pet will play and bite the toys.
2. Scruff your ferret regularly
Scruffing your ferret is one effective way to train your pet not to bite. This is a regular training kind of thing that you can do once or twice a week.
To teach not biting lesson you grab your ferret by the neck and lift him/her up to the level of your eye. Keep maintaining eye contact for 40 sec to 1 and half minutes then close his/her mouth with your thumb and index finger.
It’s important to note that don’t grab your ferret’s neck so strongly that it starts hurting. Remember all of this happening just to train him/her not to bite.
3. Consistent ferret training
Being consistent is the most deciding factor in the accomplishment of any task and this applies to ferret training as well.
It’s true that each day isn’t going the same there are higher chances some days you are exhausted, busy, or more. So, in such cases, it would be almost impossible to train your ferret not to bite.
in such cases either hand over your ferret to a veteran or hire someone familiar with your ferret so that he/she can easily train him/her.
4. Ferret Punishment
Punishing your ferret doesn’t mean you have to physically or mentally.
Instead ferret punishing means you can tap your finger on his/her nose, push gently, water spray on mouth, reduce playtime, and more.
Keep doing it every time your ferret attempts to bite you and this gives a signal to your furry friend that biting is not acceptable so slowly he/she will stop biting.
5. Use bitter apple spray
Ferret hates the bitter taste whether it’s apple spray or lime spray. You can buy ferret bitter apple spray online use it on your hand, feet, and fingers just before holding your furry friend.
By smelling the bitter apple your pet will stop even if he/she intended to bite. The pro tip is, if you don’t want to spray bitter apple on your body part then spray very little of it in ferret mouth.
This will be much more effective and your ferret will never take any initiative to bite you.
6. Time out
The time-out technique is also very effective in training ferrets not to bite. If your ferret makes it hard in stopping to bite then you can apply time out.
In time out, you put your ferret into a cage in the middle of playtime, food or even resting but most importantly during biting.
This works best for baby ferrets while adult ferrets take a bit longer time to get into it and stop biting.
Why is my ferret obsessed with my feet?
Whether you walking, standing, or sitting your feet are the first body part that your ferret reaches.
The reason for ferret feet obsession can vary at different times to different factors. When you apply soothing perfume or body lotion then your pet will be attracted to you and your feet.
He/she will start with licking and then biting happens. It’s also important to note that ferrets are quite excellent at catching smell.
The other common reasons for ferret foot obsessions are as:
- Seeking attention
- Want to play
- During a frightened and painful state
- Not happy with the food
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do ferrets bite to show affection?
Yes, ferrets show affection through light or gentle biting.
Why does my ferret lightly bite me?
To show love, affection, and care your ferret lightly bites.
Can ferrets be disciplined?
Yes, by giving proper training and suggested punishment ferrets can be disciplined.
Can ferret bites be dangerous?
Yes, when your ferret is furious, pain, or frightened.
Conclusion
After giving a long and clear explanation now you have the answer- why does my ferret bite my feet? right?
Some various factors or reasons make ferrets bite you like great smell, pain, lack of attention, accidents, and more.
Understanding, these reasons is the ultimate solution for overcoming ferrets biting your feet.