o the post on the badger ferret with a biting problem.  I would just like to
throw a few ideas out.  One the early days of a ferret can impact the
sociability of the ferret.  As you cannot be sure from breeder to pet store
the manner in which your ferret was handled this could !0 be a reaction to
handling experiences.  Training and determination are paramount with this
ferret, no matter what the reason for his predictable poor behavior.  If you
have patience and determination you can overcome this obstacle.
 
There is a chance that this ferret could possibly be a very slow learner--
yes possibly even retarded.  This does not mean you can't change the
behavior, though it may take a bit longer.  We also have a badger and his
behavior was most inappropriate until about age 1, at 3 yr.  of age he is
adorable, though not real bright!
 
How can I make such a statement, not without some research.  A study and
book on inheritance and genealogy was produced by FURO a few years back.  In
it it cites that colmira markings which include badger and panda ferrets
white heads & faces are more likely to have occurrences of deafness or
retardation.
 
This by no means dictates this is the problem, just a possibility.  I know
our Strider is not deaf, he stops when we say no -- and then continues on,
but he was a very slow learner..  running himself face first into walls for
the first 6 months of his life!
 
I hope you and your fert overcome this challenging situation!!  There is a
great ferret there, you'll find out-- with some more work.
[Posted in FML issue 1667]