A predominant problem with ferrets is that they are intelligent and stubborn. This combination creates an animal that correlates what behaviors get them what they want.
Goose has recently taken up some less than delightful techniques to get attention in her cage. The mildest one is climbing up the walls of her cage. Ferrets are not built for climbing well, so she usually falls before reaching the top. The risk of injury is incredibly low in her cage, so only her dignity is at risk. If you have a similar problem with a ferret and are concerned about it, then making sure their nails are trimmed every week. Without their sloth-like claws, their bottom-heavy physic should prohibit climbing. Her increasingly irritating new habit is ripping up her felt bedding. It is usually tucked around the base of her cage to keep it secure. She likes to work at it until she can tunnel under it. As Goose happily chases imaginary rabbits, she relocates everything in her cage. To help, I have tied knots in the bedding to keep it in place. Researching patterns for fleece bedding is very helpful, particularly if you know how to sew.
As a final and most obnoxious habit, she throws full tantrums. Litter is thrown everywhere as the beast digs in it. Thankfully she knows to only throw the litter on the clean side of the box. The ground gets covered in paper litter as well as her cage. How Goose makes this process so loud, I will not know. She will also check to make sure we know she is doing it by looking for people, making the best eye contact she can, and doing it again. So far, the best method to cease this behavior is ignoring her. Within a few minutes, it stops.
From this cautionary tale, please learn to not divulge in their toddler-like behavior. Even if you must put a sign on the cage to alert others not to engage during these fits, do so. Cease the carnage.
© U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Tammie Ramsouer
Guide to the Gremlins 