Backing into a corner
If your ferret backs up into a corner or wall while hissing and getting "puffed" up, he or she is frightened. It is important to not try to grab or pick up a frightened ferret. If your ferret is frightened, just speak softly and leave him or her alone. Your ferret will soon recover once he or she feels that the threat or danger is gone. Another reason ferrets back into corners is to use the bathroom. It is helpful to quickly 'air lift' your ferret into the nearest litter box as soon as possible -before they go on the floor.
Bottle brush tail
Ferrets will often get a "puffy" tail when they are frightened or excited. If a ferret has a bottle brush tail and is backing away from you and hissing, he or she is frightened and should be left alone until calm. However, if your ferret gets a "puffy" tail while exploring a new environment, or during vigorous play, he or she is just very excited.
Chasing
Ferrets LOVE to play chasing games. They will chase one another and they will chase you and want you to chase them too. Many new ferret owners get frightened when their ferret jumps around and "lunges" at them and then starts to run around. Your ferret is just trying to entice you into a game of chase. If you decide to chase your ferret back, just make sure you have several feet between you and your ferret because ferrets can stop suddenly and get stepped on.
Dance of Joy
The "dance of joy" also called the "weasel war dance" consists of a ferret jumping on all four feet and twisting from side to side. A ferret may slightly open his or her mouth during the display and make "chirping or dooking" sounds. This means that the ferret is full of energy and incredibly happy! Many first time ferret owners can be frightened by this display.
Stealing
Ferrets will steal anything they view as a treasure. My ferrets have stolen my keys, cell phone, socks, jewelry and just about anything they can get their paws on. This is part of a ferrets natural nesting instincts. Some ferrets even hide food in various places around the house. This is normal, especially if you own more than one ferret. It's another one of their natural storing behaviors.
Making a run for it
Ferrets often want to explore new places. They are smart enough to identify where doors are, even if they've never seen the door open. Always be aware of where your ferrets are when you leave the house because often, once a ferret is lost outside, they have a lot of difficulty finding their way back in and can not survive outside on their own.
'Dead to the world' asleep
Ferrets sleep VERY soundly. You can touch them, pick them up, etc and they flop around in your arms like a wet noodle. As long as you can feel them breathing and they feel warm, there's nothing to worry about.
Shivering
When your ferret first wakes up, he or she may shiver and shake. This is nothing to worry about (as long as your house isn't uncomfortably cold). Ferrets shiver as a way of readjusting their body temperature upon waking up. The shaking should stop after a couple of minutes.
Noises
Ferrets often 'dook'
as a sign of excitement. This sounds like a chuckle and can be soft or loud depending on the ferret. Ferrets 'scream' when upset, stuck in something, or in pain. This is a very high pitched, intense version of the dook. If you hear your ferret 'screaming' quickly find out what is wrong. Ferrets also hiss. This is similar to a cat hiss and serves the same purpose. If your ferret is hissing, they are warning you and other ferrets that they are very angry.
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