To Shelley regarding "wierd behavior".  I have 2 ferrets, one of which is
obcessed with a vacuum cleaner.  It all started when I was doing some
remodeling on our house.  Stretch always likes to help, making sure that
all screw drivers, pliers and any small tools get put away properly
(meaning in His hidding place not the tool box).  Stretch is not only a
helper but is also an electrician.  Since ferrets like tunneling so much
I decided to train him to "run" conduit chases.  I will put his harness
with a lead on it around him and put him in the conduit.  I then smear
some Lanitone around the end I want him to come out of.  Slightly blowing
into the conduit causes a "vapor trail" for him to follow and a few
minutes later, Viola, out pops a little pink nose.  The lead that is
attached to "fish tape" ( a term used for a steel cable that is used to
pull wires through a conduit) is then removed from his harness and the
tape is pulled through thus pulling the wires.  Everyone marvels at this
and Stretch earns $20 an hour.  He gives me the money on the condition
that I keep him in good supply of Lanitone.
 
His "Professional" background may have something to do with his obcession
with hoses or tubes, or vise versa.  Either way when the shop vac fires
up Stretch comes running, even from a dead sleep.  This also works if you
can't seem to find him at present.  He immediately dives for the hose,
this results in a "Thoomp" followed by high rpm's from the shop vac which
is immediadely shut off and the ferret extracted.  He has the funniest
look on his face when he is pulled out of the hose.  The fur on his face
is all facing forward instead of the natural direction.  When you set
him down he starts war dancing and fussing at you and immediately heads
straight back to the hose.  This probably doesn't seem safe to some but
he seems to have so much fun with this (not to mentoin the hilarious up
roar that arises from onlookers) that I let him indulge occasionally.
For those concerned, I am aware of his obcession and am ready to shut
down the minute he enters the hose.  This has caused no ill effects
other than his eyes seem to buldge out farther than most ferrets ( just
kidding ).
 
P.S.  Note to Shelters.  This "Running Pipe Chases" is a ferrets natural
instinct, they love it.  For you shelters that are in need of money this
may be a good way of allowing the ferrets earn their keep and pay their
rent on time.  LOL There is little to no training involved.  There is a
strong demant for this type of work and an some Electrical Contractors
will pay well for this novel service.  The ferret never leaves your
supervision and is forever greatful for the Lanitone ( or whatever other
substance makes your ferret's socks roll up & down ).  Anyone interested
in this (or wanting to give me hell for mistreating animals) may contact
me for more information.  My name is Mike Rademaker, Email is
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All for now,
Mike & the gang, Stretch, Stinklette, Morgan & Thor ( the cat)
[Posted in FML issue 4845]