From:
wolfysluv@aol.com
Date: 2002-05-08 07:39:00 UTC
Subject: re: Possible Deaf Ferret
Hi there, sounds like your ferret is already settling in and
gaining trust already. I have a site about deaf ferrets. It goes
into detail about the possible causes of deafness, training
techniques, testing at home, as well as some fun pages to read. I'm
currently working on a page that will offer various other techniques
to calm any biting down in a deaf ferret, but it's a ways off from
being done. You can use the training technique I offer on the page
for biting however.
If my technique does not work after a good bit of time, feel
free to email me so that I may helps you. Sometimes deaf ferrets
just "don't get" the technique I offer on that site. Many times you
must then get creative using some nice hands techniques to stop the
biting. For the most part, the scruffing that someone already told
you about and that is on my site should help.
The biggest thing to remember about training any deaf ferret is
"patience". :) You need lots of it. In the end they are just as
ferrety as any other ferret, and even have their advantages.
Remember that your ferret was most probably born deaf, and doens't
even know they are deaf nor ever will. They are happy. Okay?
As far as an operation, there is none that I know of.
Explanations of congenital deafness are on my site. It's true that
a ferret can be born with an inner ear difference that causes
deafness. But as far as having "little to no ear canal"... that
deformity I've personally never enountered. I think its highly
unlikely. I hope prior replies have helped, and that I"ve helped.
As I said feel free to contact me.
Wolfy
Please visit:
http://www.geocities.com/wolfysluv/
for information on ferret deafness:
http://www.geocities.com/wolfysluv/deaf.html