Greetings and Happy New Year!
 
Well, we've finally made it.  The move from Germany back to Northern
Virginia is complete, and we're getting settled in.  Jasper and Willie are
enjoying their new home, and happy to have the entire basement, with the
maze of (well-sealed) packing boxes for their own personal playhouse.  The
transition from the large dog kennel back to their 3 story ferret cage
hasn't gone as smoothly tho.  For some reason they didn't have a problem
with pooping and peeing in their litter box when they were living in
smaller accomodations, and would gladly come back to the kennel to potty
when they were out playing, but when their big cage (the one they've always
lived in) arrived on Tues they decided that the litter box was a place to
sleep instead of potty.  We added another box to restrict the area on the
bottom floor in which they could relieve themselves.  Of course, you all
know where that has led: They simply moved the boxes out of the way when
we're not there and pooped where they wanted to anyway.  We're hoping this
is a temporary defiance thing.  Otherwise they seem to be happy with the
new arrangements.
 
Physically, they seem to be doing well also.  The only noticeable problem
is that Willie's nails have become dry and tend to flake and splinter,
especially when I trim them.  They were in the kennel for a couple of
weeks, and their nails got a bit long, plus with the cold spell here the
air has been drier than what they're used too, but they haven't been
exposed to temps lower than 60 degrees.  They've missed out on a few doses
of ferretone too while they were in the kennel.  But, their fur is still
good, and Jasper's nails are good too.  (Jasper and Willie are about 8
months old, and litter mates).  Any ideas on what to do for Willie's nails
would be greatly appreciated.
 
Finally, although we've found a wonderful kennel here, where the staff
adores the little guys and takes them out to play with them and carry
them around for hours during the day, we still haven't found a ferret
knowledgeable vet.  We've talked to a couple of offices with vets who seem
interested and compassionate, and who specialize in "exotic" animals, but
no one who has significant ferret expertise.  I know that there must be
several in the Fairfax/Alexandria/Lorton/Springfield (Northern VA) area,
we just haven't located the right office yet.  If anyone has suggestions
for vets in our area, we would love to hear them.
 
As for what ferrets steal: Jasper is into leather -- Shoes, briefcases,
purses.  Willie is a specialist -- he has a fascination with shoes too,
but only wants what goes in them: insoles and socks.  Undies are also
favorites, and don't even try to tell Jasper that the ferret nail clippers
are not his -- he simply won't believe you!
 
Please feel free to email me directly with any information.  All the best
to you and your fuzzies in 2001!!!
 
Pam, Jim, and the stinky boys
[Posted in FML issue 3291]