ABC OF FERRETING

chirping of ferrets instead of the rumble and thunder of bolts.

Patience is required. Practice putting the ferret-finder collar on, and they should already be used to a ferret box when you clean them out. Resist the temptation to force them down or to grab at them when they surface or are sniffing around the hole. Remember, this is a new, big and bad world that they are now experiencing. They don’t think like humans; they are ferrets and so think like ferrets. Place them calmly down, stand back and observe. Like all animals, some are naturals, some take time and many never make the grade. Some lark about, some just get going.

Genetics are a minefield, nature versus nurture, but in my experience, you can make a ferret better than it should be; however, you can also ruin a good ferret with the wrong entering, handling and expectations. Take your time, think about it logically and remember that they are still youngsters internally, no matter how old they may look.