Hi ~

We have been lucky enough to have had 2 little deaf ones. They usually
have a white blaze down the front of the head (midline), at the tip of
paws, and possibly on the knees. They wiggle a lot but mainly need to
know they are safe. My first one (given to me by a store as a biter)
has never bitten anybody. I just continued to treat him normally but
when I held him I made sure he felt safe, and I waited a long time
before I scruffed her. They respond to several stimuli: a light going
off and on, waving your arms from across the room to get their
attention, and I did a patterned stomp (I think it was 5 beats) to
shake the floor. They can respond to beats on a floor. they also learn
sign language very quickly. Stop was a wagging of my finger under their
nose when I scruffed her. They have to see you doing everything when
you discipline, so lift them up so they can see you shake your head and
say no. If you have other ferrets the deaf ones usually squeal when
they are put together because they can't hear themselves. After a few
tries mine worked it all out. She is now 7 and doing very well and the
apple of her Daddy's eye. The other deaf one came from a group of 3 I
was asked to take a few years ago. She adapted by following the others
around. The others seem to know one of them is deaf and in the
beginning they would herd her to the food dish and to her hammie. They
do very well. Thank you for your patience in taking this on!! You are
blessed.

[log in to unmask] on the list has a deaf page up with all kinds of
information:

Good luck to you!
Warmly ~
Mary

[Posted in FML 6891]