Special Boy?

[Deleted]

Okay, so I've been reading about ferret health issues, and how to recognize them... And maybe it's the paranoid new mother in me, but I have a feeling Puck may be a Waardy. Not that that changes my love for him at all! Here's why I have my suspicions:
Physical Traits
- He has quite a few white markings.
- Black eyes that are also red (it's weird they're like two tone)
-a bit broader face

The Way He Acts

- He is extremely uncoordinated. I have to worry if he's even a foot off the ground.
- He runs head first into everything
- He acts slightly... Off
- The sounds he makes are NOT normal ferret sounds. He whines like a puppy when he's bored, he huffs repeatedly while excited and playing, his dooks (when he makes them) are oddly strangled.
- He walks a bit funny (it's adorable)
- He has a hard time with the concept of his litter box.


Reasons I may be wrong:
-He's a kit, so he could just be figuring out how his body works, and may still be uncoordinated in youthful joy.
- He did understand the no biting Mama training, but he still doesn't understand not to bite grandma.
- His noises may be normal for some ferrets, I just haven't heard them before.
- He bonded to me very quickly.

Sorry for the long post! What do you guys think?


His little Head <3

[Sherry]

It's more than possible. And based on your descriptions quite likely in fact.

[Deleted]

Jul 9, 2014 9:18:03 GMT -5 Sherry said:

It's more than possible. And based on your descriptions quite likely in fact.

Is there any special treatment he'll need as he grows, or is it like Downs where he just needs love and attention?

[Deleted]

My 'oldest' Pepe is a Waardy and, like you, I worried about it too. But I was assured that they are just 'special.' Many of them are deaf, so training is a little different. As far as treating them differently, no need really. I honestly love the extra cuddles and licks I get from Pepe and enjoy his 'special-ness' so much! Here is my thread that might have more info for you as well as another thread that is good to review:

holisticferret60.proboards.com/thread/14636/waardenberg
holisticferret60.proboards.com/thread/11451/waardenburg-syndrome

[Deleted]

Such a sweet face.

My guess would be yes, but 1 really have lttle to no exper1ence, except what 1've read here.
Our ferrents here wth Waardy's seem to have alot of extra Love for them and enjoy the "spec1al" qual1tes.

[Heather]

There is nothing that you can do. They are what they are. Live with them, love them unconditionally. Each one is different and special in their own way. Some have greater disabilities than others. A waardy often is or becomes immune compromised so watch for illnesses. They can live lives as long or longer than some of the more normal ferrets so do not concern yourself with it in that respect but they seem to be more prone to immunity issues. I've had many, they're often the sweetest wee creatures you will ever know. My hubby often tells them they're just a few french fries short of a happy meal
ciao

[Deleted]

I'm so glad that there isn't any special medical problems that come with it! I'll take him to the vet in the next week for his check-up and be sure that he's healthy!

I'm actually kind of excited that he may be a bit special <3 I'm studying to be a Special Education teacher, and having an animal around that they can relate too is always a plus for the kids!

I can't wait to hold and love this little boy for as long as I'm blessed to be with him! <3

[Deleted]

Jul 9, 2014 11:22:53 GMT -5 @abbylee22 said:

My 'oldest' Pepe is a Waardy and, like you, I worried about it too. But I was assured that they are just 'special.' Many of them are deaf, so training is a little different. As far as treating them differently, no need really. I honestly love the extra cuddles and licks I get from Pepe and enjoy his 'special-ness' so much! Here is my thread that might have more info for you as well as another thread that is good to review:

holisticferret60.proboards.com/thread/14636/waardenberg
holisticferret60.proboards.com/thread/11451/waardenburg-syndrome

Those are extremely helpful! Thank you! I'm pretty sure my baby is special after all this reading, and that is by no means a bad thing! This was the first time I heard that extra cuddly was a possible symptom! Maybe all the grooming I receive, and the love and cuddles I get are part of it. He'd rather love on me and groom me than play sometimes! I just thought he loved me extra much! Haha