Mike,
        Is it possible that your ferret is afraid of heights? 2 of my 3 are
real climbers, but the 3rd is terrified of heights. She was never dropped to
my knowledge (we've had her since she was barely 5 wks old.) She will cling
to us with all her might when lifted up high. If I use 2 hands & scoop her
into a ball, hold her close & stand up slowly, she is better & doesn't mind
as much. She NEVER rides on shoulders. I think some ferrets are naturally
more into climbing than others, but there are a few that really don't want
to be up high at all.
 
[Posted in FML issue 0712]