Licking and Harnesses

[haruchai86]

Hi everyone! Hope your fuzzbutts are doing good

So I have had my current ferret for 9 months now, and she still just constantly licks everyone and everything. I've had and met ferrets before who did not lick at all! Anyone else have a ferret like this? At first I was a little concerned but it just seems to be her nature.

I'd like to believe its kisses but its probably just because she is licking salt off of us

My second topic is about ferrets and harnesses. I just recently got her on a harness and am training her to get used to it. Just wondering how long it took all of you to get your fuzzies used to it. I have a lot of patience with her I am just more curious. She is running backwards in the harness mostly but as i let her run around the house she seemed to be getting more used to it.

I am so proud she is 100% out of the cage potty trained now! No treats needed (Though she still gets some when I feel she deserves it)

[Tressie]

Hi,

Ferrets communicate with their mouths. And yes licking is generally an affectionate communication as you guessed it, ferret kisses

When you say she licks 'everything' - what do you mean? What does she lick besides people and food crumbs?

In terms of harnesses, its important it fits well, not too snug nor too loose. It takes time for a ferret to get accustomed to a harness. Do not leave it on for more than a few minutes at a time, gradually increasing the amount of time. And NEVER leave it on the ferret when you aren't there to supervise.

In other words, take it off when you put her in her cage or when she's not going out for a walk. Couple of reasons for that, primarily safety. It can get caught on something and a ferret can strangle itself trying to escape if its caught up. They can chew a harness and get a nasty obstruction, which will require emergency surgery to remove.

It will also chafe the fur off and irritate the skin if left on all the time. Some people think it looks cute to keep the harness on all the time, but its neither cute nor safe!

Here are a few links to articles on harnesses written by knowledgeable people:

www.smallanimalchannel.com/ferrets-magazine/ferret-behavior-expert/0908-ferrets-and-harnesses.aspx

www.smallanimalchannel.com/ferrets-magazine/ferret-behavior-expert/0907-ferrets-and-harness-safety.aspx

www.smallanimalchannel.com/ferrets-magazine/home-with-bob/precautions-for-walks-0905.aspx

essentialferretguide.com/tips/harnesses.php

Have fun walking with your fuzzbutt and be safe!

Tressie

[Johnny and Demon]

I can't really remember .. but I would say a couple of days. It only took me a couple of days for my cat aswell, and he was 3 years old when we started training him on harness. As soon they found out harness means "fun outside", they were fine with their harness. Now, every time I put my pets harness on, my cat run to my patio door and my ferret run to the pet carrier lol. They are used to go on vacation with us since they are very young. No stress about the big outdoor, only fun. The cat hates car traveling but likes going for a walk. But thats another story... The thing is, as Tressie said, make sure your ferret's harness is safe and fit well. Then, never stress your ferret to go out.

If possible, let the door open and let her go outside by herself. Never randomly put your ferret outside if she just woke up ; they hate it ! No one wants to got dumped in nature when your were in your cute and ah! so comfy hammock ! If she looks stressed, pick her up and give some cuddle. It should be fun for her, so remember, no stress ! Aloso, don't forget she is walking you and you are following. She is not, and never be a dog, even if she can sometimes follow your lead pretty well.

Here's a video of Demon, being a good boy.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=1c_PL5fyIhE&feature=channel_video_title
Most of time, he's the usual furkid, trying to say : "c'mon mommy" lol

[Tressie]

Thank you Annik for your additional advice and for sharing that adorable video.

Demon is SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO CUTE ;D

Tressie

[ferretmothertoo]

Not all ferrets enjoy the outdoors. They will let you know pretty quickly - bottle brush tail the whole time, wanting to be picked up. Try a few short sessions but if this is the response each time, then it is not worth stressing the ferret. Those that do like being outside have a wonderful time. I have a pet stroller and mine love to go for walks in it. They even have a way of telling me this is what they want. This includes ones who have no use for walking on their own on a harness.

[Tressie]

Thanks for that reminder Heather.

Its the same thing with going outside in winter months - some ferrets love snow, others are not impressed.

Good advice - thank you!

Tressie

[cody n christina]

My 2 are a great example of that.
Rickey Loves snow and water.
Baby HATES it he flips if it touches him so he doesnt do any Snow play or swiming..