My first ferret went blind later in life as well and I re-taught him how to use the litter box. Since they still have their sense of touch, I like to change the feel of the flooring near their litter box. In my house I have carpet, so I bought a small piece of thin hard plastic (like the kind you put rolling office chairs on) When he would walk on the plastic I would put him in the box so he started to know that plastic = litter box. Pretty soon he was trained all over again! Pretty cool!
Also be sure to use a pet safe deodorizer after you clean up any accidents, that way the spot won't smell like potty and they won't be encouraged to go in the same spot again.
I have never seen a more well trained or handsome ferret! Great job with him! This video was very helpful in training my 3 month old fuzzy, named Bear!
Reward with a treat instantly when the desired behavior is accomplished. Be consistent and positive because they will know how to read your mood. I plan on making more vids for training deaf ferrets.
AN EASIER MORE CONVENIENT WAY~ -First off, don't get an old ferret. Joey may not be old, but it definitely seems as if he's full grown. 3 or 4.. Maybe 5. Way too calm to be a yearling. -Secondly, ferrets will always have accidents. As she said, don't get angry when it happens. If you have a baby ferret, like myself, you know they'll poop literally anywhere. -Find out where your ferrets favorite pooping corner is. Where do they defecate most often?? My ferret, Kal-El, pooed in the corner beside his food and water dishes... -(I removed his food dishes and put them on the upper level so they didn't get dirty or full of poop.) Place the litter box in your ferrets favorite spot to poop, and put the poop that's outside the litter box INTO the litter box. Leave it there so he knows where to poop. -Continue to do this until he learns that poop goes in the litter box. Don't change it too frequently until you see he is pooping on his own in the litter box. -Supervise your ferrets eating and sleeping. They regularly poop right after they wake up, so place your fuzzy by its litter box, guiding his bum when he backs up into the corner. Once he has succeeded in pooping where you want him, treat him immediately. (Best to have treats beside you whilst he poops.) -Continue to do this. And eventually you will just be able to watch him poop in the correct spot. Still treat him regularly if you catch him in the act. Make sure after you're sure he's got it down, change the litter box every day. Ferrets WILL play in their poop, and then touch their food and water afterwards. It's unhealthy for you and the ferret both. But most of all, it's SMELLY. Hope this helped~
Joey TheTrainedFerret Your videos helped me find a new way to train my ferret. I love all your videos and I hope you make more! Your ferret is so handsome :)
First time watching any Joey videos, and this is informative so I'm sure to watch more (hoping to own a ferret someday). But I really just wanted to say, Joey is so HANDSOME! My goodness - he's the best looking ferret I've ever seen!
Courtney and Joey thank you so much! I love your videos and they are helping me a lot. Me and my uncle got two eight week ferrets yesterday, and I am just enjoying your videos. The only real problem were having at the moment is that they keep nipping at us. Nonetheless we still love em and can't wait to start our life with them!
Armin Arlert Hey! I'm so glad you like the videos! Nipping is extremely common with young kits so hang in there. Joey nipped until he was about 6 months but now he never does.
his little face omg adorable! she seems like a totally awesome owner but i don't like when people hold their pets in their arms against their will when they're struggling to get away and the owner still wont let go
Thank you very much. I had a ferret years back, and I never knew how to train him. The litter problem was always a big one, sadly. Now I'm married, and my wife loves ferrets too. We are looking at getting one really soon. The pooing in random corners of the house has always been a concern of mine. Your ideas to help with litter box training are of great use. I'm a dog person, and I've trained many pups to be house broken, but the ferret was beyond me. With listening to your wisdom, I feel encouraged that I can train a ferret to be litter trained. The ferret that I had, I only managed to be able to train him to not bite (except my dad. Something about my dad got the ferret crazy, and he loved attacking his feet...). But anyway, thanks. I feel more confident now. And I am seeing that training a ferret isn't as difficult as I had it made out to be.
Joey is a male, or a hob, females are smaller, they are called mills. Males are naturally bigger and heavier, she isn't giving him to many treats, he is just mature.
Thank you for your informative videos! I trained mine a little different, he's left us since then and I miss him every day! Love you Sammy! Thank you for your videos,
i just got my ferret two days ago and he's not fully litter trained. but i made sure i rewarded him when i saw him use the litter box this evening. my ferrets name is Theta and hes only three months old. but i've been watching your videos and its really helping me know what i can do for training him. @Joeythetrainedferret
I found out that when ferrets go to the bath room they tend to back into corners so they can defend themselves if needed. That's why they like the tall blue liter box.
I've gotten a routine down with my ferrets. I'll wake them up and cuddle with them and then put them back in the cage next to their litter box. They don't get to come out and play until they've poo'd. Once they've done their business they get a vita-paste treat and play time. Sometimes though, they've just been up and already done their business. In those instances I'll sit their and prompt them to go for a few minutes and then let them out. No poo, no treat.
I'm getting a ferret today and he's about a year old. The guy said he does go in the corners, and I really hope this video helps! I have never had a ferret before, so I'll be watching these videos. :) Thank you!
Just do the best you can and then watch the ferret really closely while he is out. He will point if you have missed anything. Search youtube for videos on how to ferret proof your home if you haven't already. Oh and be sure the ferret is not around foam or rubber as they are drawn to it for some reason. The ferret might ingest it which can cause blockages. I hope this helps.
best to keep some blanket or other soft material on the ground and he'll sleep outside his litter box, the litterbox is warmer then the cold floor of the cage
I was also told when litter training if they have an accident outside the box pick up some of the poo on toilet paper n put in box. Also place box in a corner they seem to keep trying to go in.
I know its hard sometimes, but try to catch her before she actually goes, and then reward once you put her in and she actually goes in the box. This might help. Also, starting off with a smaller play space until they understand the litter box usually works also. Once they've learned to use the box, gradually increase the play space.
If you go on the web and search for the "More Dooks Ferret Food Chart" it will list all sorts of ferret kibble from the best kibble to give your ferret to the worst. Maybe you could look at that and try some of those foods. Maybe Theo would enjoy one of those and it would be healthier for him. Its worth a shot.
Thank you!! So much this is a great training solution. Never thought to use a clicker but I’m likely going to use the clicker and ferretone as a treat reward. We have two young ferrets and they’re just partially compliant with the house litter box. They use the one in their cage correctly. Thanks again, this will help. Enjoying your channel.
You will know because the little buggers will find stuff you never thought of! LOL! I'm a new ferret owner myself, and just last night I had to nail some linoleum flooring to the underside of my box springs on my bed, because my weezils were getting up inside them. Also look for the North States Clear Choice Supergate XT. It's a smooth front, extra tall baby gate that ferrets can't climb or jump.
I use Feline Pine litter. It's a pine pellet litter and I've found it reduces odor better than paper pellets...and is way cheaper than the litter specifically for ferrets. I'm pretty sure it can be purchased at most big retail grocery stores (Wal-Mart & Meijer)
Goblin was very good at "faux poo's"- I moved with him a lot and we had to have re-training a bunch of times. I didn't have him caged for the last 4 yrs of his life- which is def. more difficult to train( i ended up using puppy pads with everyone I have now)! I've had 4 other ferrets and this method works! Just like biting- repetition is key- don't get frustrated, it will pay off, and even if it doesn't seem like it at first the bonding with training makes a huge difference
I started laughing out loud when you described the 'faux poo' trick he'd do for treats (and my cat looked at me wondering what I was going on about)...thank you for sharing and helping us to learn.
Ferrets apparently imprint on a certain type of food when they're young, and they just won't recognize anything else but what they're used to as "food". Getting them switched to a different food can be done, but some ferrets can be very stubborn, especially if they're more than a year old. You might try using Vivify (emu oil) or Grizzly brand salmon oil. My ferrets think it's crack.
Thank you for making these videos they have been super helpful! My boys have enjoyed watching them and I am excited to try the litter box training, they aren't very good when they are out side of the cage.
My boy, Cinnamon, is very finicky with how he goes potty and how he uses his litter boxes. I've had him for about two weeks(I adopted him from a family that didn't have the time for him anymore) and I lined his cage with puddle pads and had the litter pan that was included with his cage. When I first let him out to run around, I watched him like a hawk and looked for corners that he might go in, but he went back into the cage to potty! Ferrets that walk back into their cage to go are few and far between I hear, so I was pleased. Unfortunately, I didn't enforce the litter pan right away (it was a small corner one and he was getting to big for it). I got a shallow cat litter box and put it in his cage a week later and he used it, so I praised him. It didn't last long though. He continues to potty all around the cage bottom that I've lined with blankets. He'll use the litter box, but he'll also use all the other corners and sides in the cage. I'm not sure how to make him understand to only use the litter box at this point, and I'm at work during the day, so it's hard to catch him when he goes potty in the daytime. Any help is appreciated ^^
If you have 2, it will be hard to clicker train them for the litter box because most of the time they will be together while playing. With 2, I would suggest just rewarding the the treat as soon as they actually go in the box. The reason I say don't use the clicker is because if you've taught clicker = treat then the ferret that isn't using the litter box will be confused. You wouldn't want to reward the other ferret for doing who knows what while the other has just gone to the litter box! :)
Peanut Gallery my mom said that too she also said they r really ugly but I finally convinced her to get one and now guess what... she LOVESSSS my ferret she goes in my room to see her every night to say goodnight to her😂 trust me ur mom will love them
Have you tried freeze dried beef or chicken liver treats? Most pet stores have them in the dog treat section. Joey loves those! Can't have too many per day though bec it will upset the tummy. You can also try mixing boiled chicken in with their kibble and they might get used to if its mixed in at 1st. I have to do this with my first ferret. Joey also likes scrambled egg! You can buy clickers in most pet shops in the dog training section or online. They are usually $5 or less.
My advice would be to read and learn everything you can about ferrets before getting one. Ferrets are a lot of work to maintain properly, but in my opinion make great pets! They need at least 4 hours of supervised playtime each day outside of their cage in a ferret proofed environment. They are strict carnivores so research the food you purchase for him or her. Also, be sure you have a ferret knowledgeable vet in your area as your ferret will need proper check ups. I hope this helps!
Aww hang in there! 4 Months old is still pretty young so just be patient. You can try a bigger box maybe, or be sure that its pretty clean. My first ferret would go beside the box if in his opinion the box wasn't clean enough - ha ha. Try rewarding her when she does go in the box so she will have more motivation to keep doing it correctly. Good luck!
No, it will not be too large. Ferret nations are GREAT cages! I recently did a video on what to look for when buying a cage so please check that out if you haven't yet. I would suggest taking the ramp and second level out when you first get your baby so he/she will just have the first level for a little while. Once he gets used to that and is a little older you can add that in when you're ready. :O)
Joey has a ferret nation cage that he is in when I am at work or asleep. If I am home he is roaming free. Joey only has one litter box in my downstairs living room, one in my upstairs bathroom, and one in his cage. He has learned to go to those boxes without a problem. I had to start him off being in the living room until he learned to use the box, then I opened up the downstairs once he learned. My first ferret required more boxes bec he struggled finding/getting to one in time.
Anytime ferrets are moved somewhere new, they will probably have to be litter trained again so they remember where the litter box is. You don't have to train with treats, but it definitely speeds up the process in my opinion. You could just praise them. Whenever you catch one about to go, put them in the litter box right away and praise when they go. Be sure to clean really well where they have gone in your room so the smell doesn't linger and cause them to go there again....
I guess I lucked out I got my ferret potty trained today, I also bought him today. I just put towels in the corners of the cage where i didn't want him to poo and after a couple "mistakes" I put his poop in the litter box until he got the idea. He's doing it on his own now, also i put him in the litter-box as soon as he wakes up too. I didn't use a clicker or treats :) Hope this helps.
Currently litter training 8 month old sister ferrets.. I'm trying SO HARD to focus on what your saying..but... THAT FACE!! Holy crap, your ferret is so adorable!! Both of mine "faux poop" cleaver lil girls :P Lately they have figured out they can hop in the box, look at me and pee first..get a treat, then go back in to poop for real- and get a treat. I didn't know they'd be able to separate the two..but they have figured it out :D
I use boiled chicken, freeze dried beef liver, scrambled egg, and Wysong Archetype 1 (a bit too crumbly though) If you have a picky ferret I suggest mixing it in their bowl of kibble a few times and see if they get used to it. This worked on my first ferret. Luckily, Joey will try just about anything :O)
I just got a new one today. He's pooping everywhere! I try to put him in the litter box. And he won't pee/poop he wants to sleep in the litter pan. NEED HELP!
Cupcake Swirl training a ferret takes a lot longer than one day. You need to have patience. The ferret is having to adjust to a new life with you and is trying to learn. Give it a few weeks/months and bond with your ferret while training.
For gods sake let the poor guy take a nap! if you just got him that day he has NO idea who you are or where he is! i dont even have a ferret and i know this!. just let him relax for a while.
I plan to do a video on treats because I do get this questions a lot. I use boiled chicken, freeze dried chicken(such as pure bites dog treats), freeze dried liver (also in the dog treat isle at some pet stores), scrambled egg, and Wysong dream treats. Its important to stick with just meat. Unfortunately a lot of "ferret treats" sold in stores have too much sugar and other stuff they don't need.If your ferret is picky, try mixing a little bit of the treat in with their food for a couple weeks.
I saw someone's comment that bitter apple spray isn't working. "Bitter Yuck" spray works better. It's geared for dogs and cats and is stronger than bitter apple.
your ferret is so cute I'm gonna get one soon and now I know what to do when I get them thanks Courtney (hope I spelled it right) and thank you too Joey
I have had ferret's as pet's for the past 15 year's with raising my kid's instead of cats an dog's ,witch we did have at one time or another but I have to say ferret's are the best pet's they are so lovable an fun to play with an they adore the whole family .The best way that I can tell you that I have trained my ferret's as far as going to there litter box outside there cage is to watch what corner or spot they choose when you first bring them home an let them out of there cage's .Ferret's always choose one spot maybe sometimes 2 spot's that they will go too an will continue in the same spot ...just put there poo poo right inside that litter box in that spot an there ya go ;) enjoy your ferrets they are so wonderful and so much fun ! Boy ferrets I have noticed are more lovable then the female's the boy ferret love your attention an will follow you too get it , to where the females a lot of the times just want to do there own thing an sometimes is hard to get them to play an allow you to hold them for a long period of time without trying to jump out your arms to run an hide an play on there own lol ! Best pet's ever :) I have a male and his name is Bubba and he give's you kisses to tell you he want's down to play when your holding him haha (He's wonderful)
Been watching your videos, you are not only an amazing ferret person, but you seem like an amazing person!!! And joey is soo handsome :D Thank you so much for making these vids. My 'Precious' (her name) is my first ferret. I cant believe how long I have lived without a ferrets, they are so amazing!!!
Have you tried a larger litter box? Joey didnt like the small corner one and would always miss it. If you don't have a problem with him going on that spot of litter that is ok. Just be sure you want him to always go there. Once you reinforce a "litter box" location its hard to untrain it so to speak.
I would advise trying to train ferrets separately as much as possible with the clicker. With the litter box it becomes a little more tricky since they are most likely going to be out playing together. I would just give the treat instantly if possible without the clicker if both are present. You'll have to be on your toes, but this way the treat will only be going to the one that went to the box. Otherwise I think both ferrets will just catch on to the clicker and squeaky toy meaning treat :)
Hi, I recently bought a ferret he's about 6 months and I got him from a pet store. My husband and I have been nip-training him which is a process but his potty place is an issue also. He's pooping on the 2nd lvl of his cage where his food dish is. We've tried putting the poop in his box, then he climbs in and digs it all out. Hubby got him the corn she'll type of litter and the local petsmart doesn't have the paper pellets but I will try that as soon as I can get some. We are dedicated to making it work.
I want the exact same ferret you have, its so cute!! Is a ferret able to eventually be fully toilet trained where it can roam the house without me needing to take it to the litter?
