Hi, new here

[zacolton]

My name is Zac, got a 4 month old kit about 4 months ago now. His name is Loki, he's got a very dirty and sorta wild looking cute, but crazy cute and more unique because of it. Just wanted to say hi as I'll be asking questions. For instance, got the nipping under control, Loki is as gentle as they come at this point, but he still won't poop in the litter when I let him out of the cage. Its also been pretty hard to train him so far because he is a very picky eater. He'll eat the ferret food and even treats when he is hungry, but he really doesn't care to much about them.

[ferretfan]

Hi Zac and welcome!

I know I've posted this here, but cannot find it, so will link you to a post I made on another forum about litter boxes.  This post focuses on the cage setup, but the points about size and location are also relevant to rooms...

http://www.lovingferrets.com/showthread.php?p=41523#post41523

Lynn

[zacolton]

Actually I have dealt with the inside the cage issue, he only poops in the litter in there now! It is outside the cage, I would prefer to have him out a lot more but always tries to make his mark, even if I take him out of his cage right after he poops, and even trying to put him back in frequently...hes being very stubborn on this.

[Ferrettaxi]

Hey Zac,

  Ferrets can be stubborn on "where" they have chosen to be their designated pooping area. There are a few things you can do to help...As in a cage design, ferrets don't poop were they eat or sleep. So if Loki is pooping somewhere you don't want him to, change it to either an eating area or a sleeping area by adding blankets. You can also move your furniture around to help with this. However, sometimes, in the end, once they've decided that "that's the spot", you can't always fight them, you may just have to add a litter box there.

  You can help by also doing POSITIVE reinforcement training. Instead of using a treat when Loki uses the litter box outside of the cage, use Ferretone. Vocalization work helps as well. Repeating the word "litter box" and praising your ferret for having used it outside of the cage. Keep in mind that ferrets are RARELY 100% with the litter box outside the cage, unlike cats. And they also have a tendency to go at doorways or heavily walked areas, as a way of marking their territory.

  Hope some of this helps. In the end, if you can't beat em' join em' (That wasn't we implying that you start pooping on the floor too, yuck!)

Good luck!
Jen 

[zacolton]

So because of the heat I've been spending more time indoors. Loki has been in a penned off area of the room that is air conditioned which is also where I am most of the time. I've been very vigilent and am happy to say as of today he is only using his litter box!

[Ferrettaxi]

Great work "dad"! Now just remember, when introducing him to new areas of the house, a little at a time works best. At least until he figures out where the designated pooping spots are 

Jen