From:
wolfysluv@aol.com
Date: 2002-06-08 04:57:00 UTC
Subject: Re:Is there a way to test if your ferret is deaf?
Yes, there are many ways to test a ferret for possible
deafness. You may be surprised to know that I find home tests seem
to be more reliable than testing done at a vets office. This is
because ferrets are usually nonresponsive to such tests at offices,
due to so many distractions there (sights, odors, sounds, etc).
They can be the opposite also... they can be so alert and excitable
that they react to the slightest cues making it very hard to decifer
if they are reacting to the actual sound stimulus that is being
introduced. Below is a site that lists some ways to test for
deafness in ferrets. Be sure that you be consistent, do it over
time, be observant, and read the page well so that distractions
won't alter the results.
Deaf ferrets are happy and don't "know that they are deaf"
remember. They are just as ferrety as hearing ferrets. Its just
good to know if they are deaf for emergency situations, disciplining
and the like. Have fun with it, and I hope these pages are helpful.
Wolfy
for information on ferret deafness:
http://www.geocities.com/wolfysluv/deaf.html
(there is a link on the bottom to a page that has instructions on
how to test a ferret)