From:
wolfysluv@aol.com
Date: 2001-10-22 19:57:00 UTC
Subject: Re: first deaf weezil?
HI there. I know you are concerned, a bit taken back, and
have lots of questions about your baby ferret. First thing you need
to know is that kits are very hard to test, so don't jump to any
conclusions just yet. They are full of energy, and curiosity beyond
our imaginations which makes them stubborn at times and certainly
makes their attention span as short as a fleas. They are very busy
taking in the wonder of the world you know.... and getting to know
and love his new mommy and daddy! He's gone through a whole lot
comming to you, just remember that.
Second thing you need to know, is that believe it or not...
being deaf is not a really handicapping condition in a ferret,
notably when the ferret's condition is identified by loving parents
as yourselves. It seems to me to mainly be a concern when a ferret
has been in an abusive situation for long periods. He will still be
a happy baby, he will still be very ferrety... heck there are even
some advantages!
I"m going to give you a sight that has a wide range of home
tests for your ferrets. Since he/she is a baby, please do the
testing over time, not just one day. Also make sure you follow the
directions to the letter on the site:
http://www.geocities.com/wolfysluv/test.html
After you go to that site and if it turns out that your baby is
hard of hearing or deaf, then by all means go to my main deaf site
below my signature. I think you'll find most of the information
you'll need and plenty of answers to things. On that page will also
be a link to an email group for deaf ferrets, by all means join if
you would like to learn more.
In the mean time, may I ask a question? Is your ferret a panda
or blaze? In otherwords is your ferrets head all white with a
marked body.... orrrr... is does your ferret have any type of white
stripe running between his ears? How is he marked? I ask because
there is a gene that is used in breeding now for attractive white
markings, that leaves a high incidence of deafness.
I know this is a lot all at once. I remember how I felt. I
even have a page on that! lolol. So take a deep breath and I
promise it will all be ok. :)
Wolfy
Please visit:
http://www.geocities.com/wolfysluv/
for information on ferret deafness:
http://www.geocities.com/wolfysluv/deaf.html