I've recently discovered something about my young ferret, Katie (she's
6-7 months old). I've tried to walk her on numerous occasions, but she's
just not been very happy about it. She seemed afraid of being outside
and would single-mindedly run (strain, pull, drag) towards the house.
She'd also climb my leg and hide in my hair.
 
I thought this was from her experience as a kit getting out through the
dog door and being lost in the backyard for several hours (great joyful
reunion when I found her under the dog house -- she *leapt* into my arms).
 
The other evening, after dark, I decided to take a walk around 10pm.
Just for the heck of it, I took Katie. Wonder of all wonders! She
*walked*. Nay, she *RAN*. All the way up the street, around the alley,
down the street and back up again! She puffed up, her tail got all
fluffy, and she seemed to be having the time of her life! She poked her
nose into every single hole, but generally moved at a brisk pace. *Much*
more movement than I'd ever gotten out of her!
 
Next night she did the same thing. So the third day I took her out in
daylight ... same old thing -- trying to get back inside, wanting picked
up, etc. Tried her again after dark, and she ran and ran and ran! She
likes it pitch black. Dusk was better but not as good as dark.
 
Anyone have any ideas of why this might be??? She can see better than my
(now dead, sniff) 7 year old ferrets ever could. I figured it was the
result of Marshall Farms' breeding program (introducing some other
strains). Do you think the eyesight might be better, but more
light-sensitive?? My other ferrets never moved like this, daylight OR
night.
 
Try it with your ferrets and see if it makes a difference. Very strange,
but fun. :)
 
--Barb--
[Posted in FML issue 1221]