I too have a little gut who is terrifired of the vac.  My other 13 couldn;t
care less about it and some even attack it.  Max however is beside himself
in his fear.  When I first got him if I used the vac he would run to the top
of his cage and shiver uncontrolably and stare glassy eyed for 10 - 15
minutes.  I always took him form his cage when I was done and loved him
until he came around then we had a treat.  Now that I am able to have him in
with some of my other kids he is better.  Sometimes he snuggles in close
with the others ans once in a while he runs to the top of the cage but he no
longer shivers or gets glassy eyed.  I make sure he is awake and aware that
I have the vacuum so I don't startle him.  today he was out and I ran the
vac and he hid under the dresser but he came out when I was done.  I always
Hold him, talk to him and offer a treat afterwards.  He is gettign much
better.  I feel he is trusting me not to let him be hurt.
 
He was kept solitary when I got him and he is still learning how to be a
ferret.  It is wonderful to see the changes.
 
Terry & the Fab 14
[Posted in FML issue 1707]