Looking for a new game to play with your ferret? Need ways of entertaining both yourself and your fuzzy? Well, this is the page for you. I have put together a list of games that I have played with my dookies, that I am sure your ferts will love. Not to mention a list of tricks that have worked on my fuzz-buts that you can teach. Have fun and enjoy. Trick 1: The Beg This was one of the easiest tricks I found to teach. My ferret Rocco had it down pat in no time. Once he knew, it didn't take long for the others. Here are the steps that you should do in order to complish this trick... Step 1: Pick a treat that you know your ferret loves. (ex. Fruit Bites) Step 2: Let the ferret sniff the treat. Step 3: Then hold it above the ferret. Step 4: If he/she doesn't understand. Bring the treat to his/her nose and slowly raise the treat up. Step 5: While he/she is reaching to get the treat, pick a command you would like to use, such as Up or Beg. Keep repeating this until all you have to say is UP or BEG and he/she will stand ready. Remember, don't let them cheat! Sometimes the ferret will place his/her front paws on your arm or grab your hand. Just nudge him/her away and start again. Trick 2: The Pick Up This is another simple trick. This is especially helpful when you want to pick your ferret up with no fuss. Here are the steps... Step 1: When your ferret is near you. Lower your arm. Step 2: If your ferret is a natural, he/she will instictively grab your arm. Step 3: When the ferret does so, pick them up and give them their favourite treat. Step 4: Continue doing this so, that everytime you want to pick up your ferret, they will be easier to get ahold off. Plus, its really cute! Step 5: If your ferret doesn't grab your arm. Place your hand between his/her arms and gently lift, grabbing the belly. Keep doing this until the ferret instictively grabs and then repeat steps 3 - 4. Well, this isn't the best trick but, I find it comes in handy. Also, It's very cute! Trick 3: Roll-Over This is a much harder trick and I have only been successful with one ferret, Rocco. It takes a lot more tries and must be repeated often. I even had to physically roll Rocco to get him to understand. Step 1: Pick a treat your ferret loves. Step 2: Hold the treat and allow your ferret to smell or lick it. Step 3: While you still have the treat in your hand, move the treat in a circular motion over the fuzz-buts head while you roll him/her over. Step 4: While your ferret is rolling over, pick a term you would like to use such as, Roll-over or Over. Step 5: Repeat these steps till your ferret can rollover without you touching him/her. Game 1: Bobbing for Treats Need: Raisins, Fruit Bites, etc.. Water (of Course) A Rectangular Container, such as a small litter box. All you have to do is add the Raisins or Fruit Bites, etc... to the water filled container. Then let your fuzzies dip and dunk their heads in for their special treat. Game 2: Fetch & Hide Need: Lots of toys...tennis balls, stuffed animals, jingle balls, etc... All you have to do for this game is take all your fuzzies special toys and stack'em up in a pile in the middle of a room. Then watch your fuzz-buts run towards the pile, grab their treasures and hide them away. What a race! =) Game 3: The Fun Box Need: Cardboard Box Bio-degradable Starch Peanuts To prepare the Fun Box all you need to do is cut out two holes on opposite sides of each other. The holes must be big enough to allow a ferret to fit through comfortably. Then add the peanuts and seal the top of the box. This utilizes the ferrets natural curiousity to investigate and dig. It's pretty funny to watch, especially when more than one fert is in the box. You can pick up pre-made Fun Boxes from the Ferret Store. Game 4: Magic Carpet Ride Need: A Blanket or Towel For this fun game all you have to do is drag a blanket or towel along the floor. Then watch as your ferret(s) jump on for a little ride. They'll have a dookie time! Game 5: Hide n' Seek Need: YOU This game is the easiest but, its a lot of fun for you as well. It's very interactive. Just run/stalk around your apartment or house and watch as your fuzzy either chases you or tries to outsmart you. Its a game of wits! Can you outsmart your fuzz-but? Game 6: Tug of War Need: Anything worth tugging on such as, socks, rope, etc... Another interactive game. Find a toy or object that your ferret really likes. Let him or her grab it and try to take it from you. Then tug(gently). Game 7: Peek-A-Boo Pillow Need: Pillow with a Pillow Case Grab a pillow with a case on it and put some of your ferts in it. Then either place the pillow on the floor or on your bed. In a few seconds, your fuzzies will go crazy. Some will come out and jump on the others that are still in the pillow case. While others will explore the soft environment and try to attack the others in the pillow case or those that want to come in. It keeps them entertained for a while. **Credit - information provided on this page is through my own experiences and with the aid of "Ferrets For Dummies" by:Kim Shilling. BACK TO MAIN PAGE