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Ferret Attacks Squeaky Toy

A ferret owner wonders why a baby ferret is attacking a squeaky toy.

By Ailigh Vanderbush
Posted: August 1, 2008, 5 a.m. EDT

Q: My baby ferret is adamant about attacking a squeaky toy. Its tail ruffles, it makes a strange noise and it bit me hard in the process. No other ferret has shown this type of behavior over a squeaky toy.

A: Some ferrets have a really well-defined prey drive and the squeak probably sounds like something your ferret thinks it worth attacking or even eating. Ferrets are carnivorous predators. We often forget that, especially when they are cuddling with us and looking cute. Don’t forget that those carnivore teeth are made for tearing into prey. Prey such as rodents can make a noise just like a squeaky toy. Getting bitten during this excited, frenzied, hunting behavior can be a problem, so make sure that you are paying attention. If a squeaky toy is out, keep your hands and feet safe, but enjoy watching your ferret acting in a most natural way.

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Reader Comments
my ferrets love the squeaky toy-I use it to get them out their hiding places or get their attention, but I do not let them have it cause they try to chew it up.. but they never bitten me while trying to get the toy from there are times they hide in the cage or wherever they put their toys in their favorite places
Cavalyn, E Bangor, PA
Posted: 10/14/2009 3:53:40 PM
Spencer is 2 years old, and he hates squeaky toys! I hate to even make a noise that is similar to a squeaker, because he becomes enraged. He used to attack and bite me, because I believe he thought I was causing harm to something. Now, I use it only sparingly when I can't find him, and reward him for coming to me. Now, he just looks around wondering where the sound has gone.
Cheryl, Jacksonville, FL
Posted: 9/13/2009 11:56:24 AM
I have two dachshunds who LOVE to make their squeeky toys SQUEEK! and the ferret gets very mad and he attacks my dogs!
rachel, Novi, MI
Posted: 8/22/2009 12:28:17 AM
I've known two ferrets who reacted adversely to specific squeaky toys/sounds. In both cases, they attacked the person making the noise (one of those people was me!). We learned really quickly to not use that squeaky around those two ferrets.

Both have sadly passed on now, but I still think of them when I do use the squeaky to call the ferrets to me.
Anne, Mesa, AZ
Posted: 1/16/2009 1:00:57 PM
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