All About Ferret Behavior
Ferret behavior is one of the most interesting and unique aspects of keeping ferrets as pets. If you don't know much about why ferrets do what they do - ferret antics may seem strange or scary to you. You may even think that your ferret is attacking you! This article examines some of the ways in which ferrets behave and what these postures mean.
The ferret alligator roll is usually seen when your pet is playing games with other ferrets. Your ferret may grab his playmate by the scruff of the neck and flip him over. Why do ferrets do alligator rolls? The aim of this ferret behavior is simply to tell the other ferret who is boss. The ferret who does the flipping is the dominant or alpha ferret.
Your ferret may also roll around when he is all alone if he is feeling excited. When young untrained ferrets bite the skin on your hand, your feet or even your socks, he is trying to 'alligator roll' you. This kind of ferret behavior may have to be discouraged as it can be quite painful!
How can you tell if your ferret is frightened? Your pet will back up into a corner or against and wall and hiss and puff himself up. If your pet shows this kind of ferret behavior it is best to leave him alone until he or she calms down. Speak to your ferret gently to calm him. Be warned, your ferret may also back up into a corner to use the bathroom! Get him to the litter box a.s.a.p.!
Your ferret may also 'bush' his tail out. This kind of ferret behavior may happen if your ferret is scared or excited. If the bushy tail is accompanied by hissing and backing off he is frightened. If he is outdoors or in a new, exciting environment he is probably just feeling excited and stimulated. In this case you can probably expect a frenzy of activity to follow!
Does your ferret chase you? Ferrets love a good game of catch and you may be their favorite target. If you have more than one ferret they will enjoy chasing each other too. This ferret behavior may seem scary to you but your ferret isn't attacking you when he lunges in your direction. He is trying to get a came of catch going! Be careful you don't step on him if he stops suddenly as ferrets are prone to do.
Have you ever seen the ferret 'dance of joy'? This is when your ferret will jump around from side to side and bounce off the furniture or flip around on the floor in a happy, excited way. This means he or she is feeling very happy and delighted with being a ferret and wants to play. It is a very rewarding ferret behavior to watch.
This kind of ferret behavior may be accompanied by an open mouth or noises called chirping or dooking. The first time you witness the dance of joy it may be a bit scary. Don't worry your pet is just full of the joys of spring!
Ferrets are natural diggers. They may dig in their food bowl or in your pot plants. It doesn't matter to them as long as they can dig. As a ferret owner you may decide to just live with this kind of ferret behavior as it very hard to control.
If your ferret hisses he is most likely cross or unhappy. If your ferret is hissing it may be a good idea to leave him alone until he calms down. He may be so cross that he inadvertently nips you. Your ferret may also hiss if he is playing and very excited. Ferret behavior that includes hissing, bristling fur and an arched back is best left alone!
Your ferret may become obsessed with a particular toy or object. If this happens he may get very upset if you take it away. He may hide his toy in different locations in the house and this is not good if it happens to be your wallet or car keys! You may need to discourage this kind of ferret behavior if he is disrupting your life or your house.
If you have more than one ferret and the toy gets 'stolen' your ferret will get into a fight just to get it back. To avoid injury with this type of ferret behavior make sure he doesn't get attached to any dangerous objects.
A funny ferret behavior is the practice of scooting. Ferrets will often take large or odd shaped objects and move them by holding the object in their paws, against their chest and scooting, in reverse. No matter what, your pet is bound to be an entertaining companion, exhibiting all sorts of interesting and fun ferret behavior.
Once you understand what different kinds of behavior mean it is a good barometer to gauge your ferret's mood and temperament. Enjoy watching your ferret and learning to decipher ferret behavior!
