by Arianna Larson

Created on: September 22, 2009   Last Updated: September 24, 2009

Ferrets like any other animal that has been domesticated can be aggressive at any time for different reasons. This does not mean that they are normally aggressive animals; just that you need to look deeper into de root of the problem.

Ferrets use their mouths to communicate along with their body language. They might tell you that are in pain, happy, or that they want your attention and this might be interpreted by humans as an aggressive behavior.

Since ferrets do not have claws as sharp as a cat they will use their teeth as defense mechanism. However, their first instinct is to run. If that does not work and/or it gets trap then the second form of defense is to spray (if undescented) or to scream and only as a final recourse a ferret will try to bite.

A ferret will also use their teeth to play and since they have sharp fine teeth this might hurt a little bit even though that might not be their intention. Human skin is not as thick as that of a ferret, therefore giving the impression of an intended attack.

It's necessary to look at the exact circumstances to determine the reason. The first thing in order to identify what is going on is to know your ferret. Are you the first owner, or not. Have you gotten the ferret when it was a hit or as an adult. What kind of personality does your ferret have; quite, or very active. Do you have more than one ferret?

A ferret might bite when pick up and/or hold and this could be because is not accustomed to be held or it got frightened. After all humans are a lot bigger than a ferret; how will you react if a giant will catch you un-guarded and pick you up?

Another reason could be that there is something physically wrong and the ferret is in pain. You hold is only aggravating that pain, so the ferret will most logically will bit to get itself lose.

If the ferret can be picked up and hold without any incidents but turns wild when you offer a piece of fruit or snack, there might be a problem with the main food that is being offered. Pay attention to your ferret's plate; just because it's empty it does not mean that the ferret is eating the food you are putting in there. There are different ferret food products in the market and your ferret might not like all of them. You're ferret is super hungry and will turn aggressive when some real food is around but that is a normal behavior on any animals, including humans that have been starving to death. It is very important to learn everything about your ferret and that includes it's

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