To Robin:
 
I think the easiest thing to do is take your ferret to the vet.  That's
probably the only way you are going to know for sure.
 
It's possible that all the things you are doing are just scaring this poor
ferret into a frozen stance.  Anyone who has driven down a dark country road
and comes face to face with a deer in the middle of the road, understands
what I'm talking about.
 
When you approach your ferret to play, if you come at her too fast and too
quickly, they will run.  It's instinctual - big birds of prey are predators
of polecats, weasels, black-footed ferrets - and if startled by a big huge
predator-type (us), their first reflex will be to RUN!  Ferrets don't see
well to begin with.
 
Try looking at it from their perspective.  Get right down on the floor at
their level and look up at a person.  It's a whole different world down
there.  When you approach your ferret, call her name first so she hears you,
bend down some and don't reach out at her -your hand may look like a bird
attacking.
 
If she truly is blind, it will be more important than ever for you to alter
your approach tactics anyway.  Hope this helps.
 
Debbie Riccio
WNYFLFA
Western New York and Finger Lakes Ferret Assocition
Rochester, NY
[Posted in FML issue 1440]