is my baby deaf? (and some more)

Question
I just got my first ferret today(8 weeks), she's a little girl and she was the sweetest one of the bunch.
I thought she was a dark-eyed white, but she has dark guard hairs on her body; I think she may turn out to be a panda pattern. I also think she's deaf.

She did not respond once today when I made loud noises playing with her, not clapping or snapping or even yelling.
I know it's a new environment, so maybe she's just a typical hyper baby. I'm not sure.
If she is deaf, how will I nip-train her. I don't know her very well yet, but she was naughty and bit me hard today (along with her nibbling a lot.) Should I scruff her and drag her or time out? Is that okay or should I do something else?

So, do you know any other ways I should test her hearing?
and
How should I train her if she really is deaf?

Thanks!

Answer
Panda, badger, dark eyed whites, and similar coloration schemes often have a predisposition to deafness.  It is a genetic condition that is currently being studied, and i have entered my own two ferrets (although neither are of those coloration) into a control group.  The experiment is still underway and far from any conclusive evidence at this point.

A deaf ferret is not necessarily an unhappy one.  If she is indeed deaf, she was most likely born that way and does not know of life with sounds so she cannot miss it! They can, however, prove to be a challenge because they are more likely to bite out of fear. They cannot hear a person approach, and it is a scary situation to have someone sneak up on you, even with good intentions.  The key is to go slow.  Get her attention first  by stroking her back softly rather then pouncing her as you might a normal ferret.  That would be frightening if you didn't hear your human who outweighs you by over 100 lbs to come leaping at you, even if it is to play!    

As far as nip training, the only part to leave out is the stern NO, since she cannot hear it anyway.  I generally scruff my guys when they bite, give a gentile but firm flick on the nose or a small puff of air in her face.  She will learn quickly that every time she nips, this will happen and she does not like it.  Also, when you hold her, and she does well, reward her with a treat.  They work very well with positive reinforcement!  Please stay away from treats such as raisins (they can kill) or any other sugary foods since they can cause insulinoma.

The best way to test for hearing is to call her when she is not looking.  Sometimes they are responsive to body language, so if you put your arm out or wave, she might be responding to that instead of the words you are using to call her. She might only be partially deaf or have a limited range of hearing.  It might be wise to try various sounds to get her attention.  A squeak toy for high pitch, spoons for a metallic sound or alterations of your own voice.   

Deaf ferrets are indeed trainable.  I have see situations where owners use hand signals for tricks.  Of course, the ferret will need a poke to get her attention since calling her name will be to no avail. Then use rewards after she preforms the trick in response to the hand signal.   

You could bring her to your vet to have her hearing tested.  I am indeed inclined to think she is deaf from the symptoms,  although your vet should be able to have a confirmation.  

a great web site with some info on deafness in ferrets:
http://www.wolfysluv.com/deaf.html   

Best of luck!  You may have a bit of a challenge on your hands, but with persistence and patience a deaf ferret will be as trainable and happy as any normal weasel!!

-Cindy P.
E.R. Vet Tech

P.S.  This question was in the pool and not sent directly one of the experts.  I decided to answer it for you since i have some knowledge of the subject.  Generally, I try to respond within 24 hrs, but i do not check the communal question pool as often as i should.  Many apologies for the delayed response.