HANDLING AND TRAINING. 81 



put into the mouth of den, with the ferret. As 

 the rabbit is still kicking the ferret will not 

 realize but that it is alive. It will probably 

 begin eating at the bloodiest part. Let it nose 

 and eat for a few minutes. 



Methods of handling and training for rats 

 and other pests as well as for mink, skunk and 

 other animals are given in the chapters on fer- 

 rets and these animals. It might be well to 

 repeat here that methods of handling and train- 

 ing are all the same at the start. Young ferrets 

 four months up are good for rabbits; for rats 

 they should be at least six months old; for 

 ground squirrels (large western), gophers, 

 prairie dogs, mink, skunk, etc., only large, old 

 and strong should be used. For this class of 

 work not younger than yearling although two 

 year old would be better. 



