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Post by Sarah on Mar 3, 2015 7:52:16 GMT -5
Hi All,
I really need your help. I won't go into detail about how it happened (I blame my evil tom cat), but my new , young deaf ferret got past "the wall" last night. He's now loose somewhere in my house and was last seen at about 7 last night. It wouldn't really be that bad, but I'm pretty sure he got into my bathroom that's under construction. I think this because I called to my hearing ferret and she came out from under the bathtub. I've got open floor joists and I'm afraid he's somewhere in the floor.
I put some of their used blankets and some food near the area in hopes that he would come out. I beat on the floor hoping he would feel the vibrations. Nothing. My heart is breaking. What can I do?
Sarah
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Post by Deleted on Mar 3, 2015 9:26:01 GMT -5
I'm so sorry about your little lost boy. I hope he finds his way out soon. You've done the things that I would do, putting out blankets and food, stomping around to make vibrations. I have my first deaf little girl and that's a huge fear of mine. Let's see what some of our ferrents who have had deaf ferrets will say. Please keep us posted. I'll be sending all my best hopes and wishes that you find him.  |
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Post by Celene on Mar 3, 2015 10:00:45 GMT -5
Like @poncesmom said, vibrations. Not sure if you can stick your hand/anything into potential holes, but shining/blinking a flashlight might help (I've heard of it used for deaf ferrets in lost-outdoors situations).
Also listen for scratching. Chances are your fuzzy is looking to get out and is scratching at (likely wooden) surfaces. The best way to do this is turn off anything that hums or makes a noise and get as much silence as possible. You can do this in conjunction with stomping - go around the house stomping and see if you hear scratching in response.
Best of luck, I hope you find your little boy!!
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Post by unclejoe on Mar 3, 2015 10:19:52 GMT -5
I know you said she's new but has she been introduced to any smelly oils or wet food that may smell stronger faster?
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Post by FerretsnFalcons on Mar 3, 2015 19:08:21 GMT -5
That's terrible, I can only imagine how worried you must be! What you can do is get a live animal trap (click here to see what I mean). Maybe you can find one at Home Depot or Lowe's or a similar store. Then set it, place it right in front of the opening that you think he escaped through in the bathroom. Make a small trail of treats leading into the trap and onto the trigger plate, and a food and water bowl at the far end of the trap. Maybe you could put an old shirt or something in there too so he associates the trap with your smell and won't be scared of it. This way you don't have to look and call for him 24/7, although of course you would have to check the trap a few times a day. And the trap is reusable, so it's nice to have on hand in case of a future escape. I have two of these traps, I use them to humanely relocate pack rats that nest in my yard, I've even accidentally caught full-grown rabbits in them. They are completely safe, although your ferret might get a bit panicked when he realizes he's trapped. Is there any way he could have climbed through the walls/floorboards and gotten outside? Because then I would make missing ferret posters, too and post them around. Good luck finding your baby, I really hope he's okay! |
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Post by Deleted on Mar 3, 2015 22:28:02 GMT -5
So very sorry. Is the cat still around for your ferret to see?
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Post by Sarah on Mar 4, 2015 7:51:51 GMT -5
My little deaf boy has returned home! As I suspected, he was roaming around in between my floor joists between the first and second floors  Luckily my first floor is under renovation too. I just listened for his pitter-patter and pulled down some of the lathe. He is soooo dirty - 100 years of coal dust and soot can do a real number on a white coat. I've decided that I'm going to have a trap door added in my kitchen that can be hidden under an area rug so I won't have to pull down my ceiling once it's finished if this were to ever happen again. Thanks so much for all of your supportive suggestions and thoughts. Sarah and Noodle |
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Post by Deleted on Mar 4, 2015 8:01:37 GMT -5
You just made my morning. I'm so glad that he is home and this crisis is averted. |
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Post by Deleted on Mar 4, 2015 9:25:17 GMT -5
 so glad he has been found!!
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Post by Sarah on Mar 4, 2015 9:44:13 GMT -5
Thanks Guys,
I know I would have had to move if this hadn't worked out so well. I wouldn't have been able to bear it.
The first thing he did when I put him back in the cage was to go and greet his friends. He didn't even stop to sniff the food dish.
Sarah
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Post by msav on Mar 4, 2015 10:07:09 GMT -5
Love the picture.
"Are you looking for little ol me?"
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Post by Celene on Mar 4, 2015 10:47:23 GMT -5
Soooooooooooo happy! What a sweet boy. <3
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Post by raynebc on Mar 4, 2015 14:04:29 GMT -5
This picture would have taken the cake in the "getting into trouble" themed contest a while back. I'm glad he's back.
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Post by msav on Mar 4, 2015 15:42:14 GMT -5
This picture would have taken the cake in the "getting into trouble" themed contest a while back. I'm glad he's back. Is also a great photo for the caption contest. |
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Post by raynebc on Mar 4, 2015 15:56:16 GMT -5
"Putting away the treats? I'm afraid I can't let you do that."
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