Amusing excerpts from a book on ferret behavior

[caitmonster]

This is from "A Tao Full of Detours: Behavior of the Domestic Ferret" by Tara Shimbo. It was written in 1992 and references a lot of studies from the '60s, '70s, and '80s, so it's not exactly the most current, but I loved the author's style. She provides anecdotes of her own ferrets and a rescued polecat that are totally relatable for anyone who's had ferrets for any length of time. To her credit, she also emphasizes the importance of limited light exposure, and delayed neutering. (Also, the first reference in her bibliography is "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy," to give an idea of her overall tone. ) I had to request it through my local interlibrary loan system, but it appears to be for sale online here and there.

On the meaning of various postures: "The Formula One Racing Weasel. This gesture, also known as the Deflate and Stare, is used when a ferret is simply too tired to move but concerned that if they go to sleep, they might miss something. The ferret just falls to the ground where it's standing, leaving its legs as they were, with resulting 'wheel wells.' Sometimes they fall on only the front feet, and then move a few steps forward by pushing with the hind feet only.

"It is also used as an expression of aggravated exasperation: e.g., when you've caught him at the trash can and it's clear you're not going to take your eyes off it. He sighs, collapses without moving his legs, and stares. Notice that, like little kids or your secretary, he's staring either past you or through you, as if you weren't even there. Now you are invisible, and therefore your opinion doesn't count."

On mating season: "In the main, hob courtship consists of Making A Nuisance Of One's Self. After the Winter Solstice, hobs given run of the house with the other ferrets will start to scout out the jills, checking their rumps and napes for Eau de la Petite Belle Femme regularly, and following them around bucking and peeping. They may make a few attempts at the Grab and Drag, but a jill who is not in heat will simply ignore him. A mating now would be impossible, and both sides realize this. If a hob becomes too much of a nuisance, the jill will start hissing; and then if he still insist she'll probably trash him, after which he'll either come to you or his food bowl for comfort and solace."

[Sherry]

Love the hob behaviour. And yeah- he'll definitely need some solace somewhere after she beats his butt

[cockneyferret]

Excellent, I may need to track down a copy.

F1 racing weasel almost had me spitting coffee.

Cheers

[Heather]

These are excellent books and well worth the read. Some are more serious than others. Tao Full of Detours is just a fantastic insight into ferret behaviours and some things which have long since forgotten. Her style of running a business, is interesting.
All her books are out of print, but if you search you can find them in some of the older breeders libraries.
ciao

[miamiferret2]

Excellent book. Hard to find.