Mike, Is it possible that your ferret is afraid of heights? 2 of my 3 are real climbers, but the 3rd is terrified of heights. She was never dropped to my knowledge (we've had her since she was barely 5 wks old.) She will cling to us with all her might when lifted up high. If I use 2 hands & scoop her into a ball, hold her close & stand up slowly, she is better & doesn't mind as much. She NEVER rides on shoulders. I think some ferrets are naturally more into climbing than others, but there are a few that really don't want to be up high at all. [Posted in FML issue 0712]