For most ferrets, you are not going to be able to stop nipping altogether(it just how they play), but you can keep it to a minimum and make it not too hard. I have 4 ferrets, which have been nipped trained, and while they still nip, it is not too frequent(mostly when they want my attention), or if I wrestle with them.

NIP TRAINING
Ferrets must be nip trained when they are young, or if they are adults, the rules needs to be set as soon as you get them in the home. There are correct and incorrect ways to do this. Hitting, yelling, flicking the nose, do not work and may lead to an aggressive and hand shy ferret.

When ever a ferret nips at you, you need to say “no”, pick them up by the scruff of the neck(it does not hurt them), and light drag them across the floor(about a foot). This is something that would be done to them by the mother.

“what are bad things to feed them”
– Ferrets are obligate carnivores and therefore they should not be fed fruits, vegetables, grains, etc. They eat meat and need a diet that reflects their needs. They should also not live on cat food, as it is not nutritionally adequate.

They should have at least three high quality food mixed together (ferrets are very picky eaters and if the store stops selling one of your foods, you still have two others). Marshals food is not a high quality food(do not feed the ferret this). High quality means first three ingredients meat, and no fish.34-36% protein and approximately 20% fat (and low fiber) The high quality food can cost anywhere from 15 dollars to over 20 for a 5 -10 lb bag. Feeding them low quality food may be cheaper for awhile, but will lead to health problems and costly vet bills later.

Although some people choose not to, it is a good idea to get them used to something called duck soup. It is a good diet for a sick ferret, and many ferrets will not eat it if they are not used to it. The last thing you want to do while your ferret is ill, is try to force feed it. You may also want to introduce something called nuti-cal(another high cal supplement for ill ferrets). These are things that you can feed once a month or every other month, just to be sure your ferret will eat it. When my ferret was ill and started loosing a lot of weight, duck soup probably saved his life. Ferrets have a fast metabolism and if they do not eat, they loose weight very quickly.

“and if they will get along with a docson/short haired terrier and mini collie who like to kill ground moles”
–This is going to depend on the dog. You know your dogs best, so only you can answer this. Remember that ferrets play bite and they have sharp little teeth. While the bite is not going to break skin(most likely), it will be painful. Can you trust your dogs not to bite back. It only takes one time for a tragic accident to happen. I have a small westie, and would never trust my ferrets with her. If you know that your dog kills small animals, then it is not a good idea to put them together. There are times when a dogs instincts kick in and he could kill the ferret accidentally(even if they have previously gotten along).

“and one more thing how do i clip there nails would it be bad to use pedding paws? nail clippers?”
– I find it easier to use a nail clipper. They sell clippers for cats that are small and delicate enough to cut their nails. When I want to cut my ferrets nails I enlist the help of someone. The easiest way is to have someone scruff the neck and hold them in the air, like a puppy/kitten. Scruffing them puts them into a sort of sleep and keeps them still(you’ll see them yawning and the eyes close a bit). You can then easily cut the nails. Watch for the quick(red vein inside of the nail), if you cut the quick it will bleed. If you do accidentally cut the quick do not panic, put flour(or buy styptic powder) , and liberally put it on the end of the nail.

Ferrets cannot eat anything that isn’t meat-based! The only exceptions are pure pumpkin for lax, and the occasional banana treat/ baby food for the sick ferret. Anything else, including the loved raisins and Cheerios, are very bad for ferrets. If your ferret likes meat, then by all means give them as much as they want! Some good ferret kibbles are Evo, Zupreem, and Totally Ferret. Marshalls is NOT a good food- even if your ferret is being fed it, switch their food. Some good treats are Ferretone ( very little), Foamy Fries, N-Bones, Cheweasels, Pogos, Wysong Daily Dream Treats, Kitten Replacement Milk, and Plain Eggs (they can be raw (no yolk), boiled, scrambled, you name it as long as it’s plain)

It depends on your dogs. If the dogs themselves like to kill moles, then I would be very careful with the dogs around your ferret. Hold your ferret and have someone else hold your dog, and let them sniff each other and see how the dog reacts to the ferret, and let that determine whether you want them to be together.

I personally have never used any kind of nail clipper other than plain pet nail clippers, and I wouldn’t use Pedi-paws or anything like that. Ferret nails are very tiny, and I would be afraid that those clippers would go too far and grind the quick. You can use plain cat nail clippers, or baby nail clippers as long as the blades are new and sharp.

Ferrets love to play and will entertain you for hours, Bite. Depends if they have been handled alot then no, But if they havent they sure will and they hurt, Another thing is ours have a thing for feet.

They have ferret food, but if you cant get that they are happy with the dry cat biscuits. Also cat milk, But thats a extra treat.

Bad things, Ummm… nothing is really bad i dont think, They love uncooked eggs they like to play with it before smashing it.

They love tubes and plastic bags, anything that really makes a noise.

Make sure they have lots of water and get there nails cut whenever.

If you have anymore questions im on yahoo; Thanosjones