>In my experiences as a shelter, deaf ferrets have a higher risk of being
>abused, neglected or abandoned.
 
Yes, exactly!  Obviously, deaf ferrets are as wonderful as any other
ferret.  But it is not immediately obvious that they are deaf.  So they
are very easily startled and can resort to biting if someone grabs them
from behind, sneaks up on them, etc.  And in the hands of someone with a
short fuse, or someone who doesn't take the time to figure out why their
ferret doesn't respond to "No!" etc., this can lead to disastrous
consequences for the ferret.
 
This is why breeding deaf ferrets is not a great idea.
[Posted in FML issue 3115]