Ferrets

[Tigerlilly]

Soooo.... I'm not having it.
My dad would of let me but it's totally unhandleable. It bit me really badly for just stroking it's head, it's also a fully grown adult not a baby ...
My gran got the number of a ferret rescue who will take him so hopefully someone will train it etc..
If I ever got one I'd get a baby which didn't bite etc and train it to be good, I understand they do bite, especially when scared but it wouldn't even let me try hold it.

Is there anything I could get from the bite?

[Flutter]

Sure. Depends if the ferret had anything

[Tigerlilly]

Oh no xD watch my finger turn black and drop off now. haha

[Flutter]

Lol. That won't happen. I don't know much about zoonotic diseases but the biggest worry would be rabies as you don't know if it had been vaccinated.

[Tigerlilly]

I'm sure it'll be fine ^_^ it's only small, didn't bite into me and not let go (like a lot I know do) it just nipped hard, doesn't hurt anymore or anything.
I'm disapointed it wasn't young and tame like I was told, my family suck at passing on info!

[Flutter]

Was the skin broken? If not you're likely safe. If yes then you're probably still safe. I just don't know enough to be of much help or probably even give accurate information

[bigfatfish]

We don't have rabies over here (yet!). Only thing you would get is horrible bacteria from his teeth. Make sure you have thoroughly washed the wound & watch for any swelling/discharge. You may need antibiotics if it gets infected. I'm sure you'll be fine though.
I guess he was never someones pet then, probably a working ferret (they tend to be a little more bitey!).
Hope you're ok & that he finds a good home.

[Tigerlilly]

Yup that's what I said.. either a working ferret or one which was a pet and not handled much/not cared about so they just kind of let it go.
The skin was broken yes but I didn't know UK didn't have rabies here yet. That's good thanks xD
I hope it finds a home too, it was very cute and I'm sure when it's handled more with gloves or something and not so scared it'll get tamer.

[Tigerlilly]

So today.. my aunties friend saw missing ferrets posters being put up by this boy... took the number and phoned my gran who had the ferret.
My gran phoned the boy and he came to collect it, apparently it was his, he is still missing another 1, 2 escaped.
But he said "I'm suprised it didn't bite you" she said "well actually it did bite a few people in the family" and he said "Ah right.. sorry about that, he does bite, his name is nasher."
xD thought that was cute. Good name I guess, but atleast we found the owner. Shame we didnt find both ferrets he lost though.

[Nick]

You have to learn them about biting. They bite each other in play quite a bit, doesn't seem to break their skin, but ours is not made of rubber like theirs. We'd have to break them of the habit with humans at the pet store. It sounds mean, but the only thing that worked for us without batting their noses(which seems mean) is poking the back of their throats with the bitten finger and forcing a gag reflex. Not exactly nice, but it quickly makes them less inclined to nibble fingers.

[Tigerlilly]

Yeh, I was learning all about that stuff but now it's owner came for him so I'm not getting one
Cute though.

[Nick]

They are! Especially babies.

[Flutter]

Hehe. You can do that with cats and dogs too. If they're nippy shove you hand or finger in their mouth. They don't like it an learn. They also can't bite you properly if their mouth is full.

[Tigerlilly]

As weird as it might sound I like our cats biting it's cute, they grab your hand and chew on it and scratch too but it's only if you tease them or tickle them and hardly ever breaks the skin.
I think it's cute though, it wouldn't be if it was vicious but it's just playing so I don't mind xD after a while they start to lick your hand.

[Brandon8521]

What is "working" ferrets?