From:
Shirley Hewett
Date: 2002-02-26 21:15:00 UTC
Subject: Re: Deaf Blind Ferret
Aztec came to me as an 7 year old, already totally deaf and
blind. While she "learnt" her new surroundings very quickly
and formed close friendships among the rest of the ferrets, I
wanted her to have some form of communication with me other
than just cuddles, food and treats. This was achieved by
holding her so that the top of her head was against my
voice-box while I talked to her in a low voice. I had to
practise with my hand on my throat to find out which pitch
gave the best vibration. After a couple of weeks, she would
press her head against my throat to "hear" me.
I remember one incident at the vet's when she had to have an
abdominal x-ray. She was just in the right position but began
to squirm. The vet forgot that she was deaf and told me to
talk to her to keep her still for just a moment more. I
immediately bent down and put my throat on the top of her head
and told her a heap of nonsense. She settled and the x-ray
was very clear but my poor vet could hardly see it through the
tears of laughter.
Good luck with your little one.
Shirley.