Ferrets can learn not to nip

I care for sick and injured ferrets. It is not a general dumping ground for unwanted ferrets, and I get little "kids" only by reference from one particular veterinarian. I have six ferret "kids" that are on medication and one that just came in that I might adopt out at the right time to a good family.

Ferrets are among the top-three popular pets in the United States. They have been around for more than 3,000 years as a domestic pet and cannot live more then three days on their own because they cannot hunt and would starve. They must have human contact every day with anyone the age of 12 or older; children younger than 12 can harm ferrets.

Yes, some ferrets do nip at you, as was mentioned in a recent Sentinel article, "Perilous pets," but it depends on their training and how you treat them. If you play with a dog that is not trained to be gentle, the dog will put its mouth on your hand and try to play rough. The same with ferrets. We teach our little fur balls to not bite by scuffing their neck, lightly tapping their nose and telling them, "No bite!" a few times. The ferret is smart enough to understand, and after a few times, the habit will stop.

Ferrets stay like kittens all their life, right up to their death about ages 5 to 8 years old in the Florida environment.

DAVID B. BROKAW
Oviedo