Hi Anon,
 
I share your concern about the ferret in the classroom.  Here is what I
would do.
 
When the weekend is over, send a note to the teacher saying that you
are concerned about the ferret's weight and you are taking him to a
vet.  Then, make up whatever reason you have to - meds, special feeding,
whatever - and don't take him back.  Who knows what a vet visit might
reveal.  If kids have been feeding him bad things, he may have a partial
obstruction.  If he is just lonely, then some proper food and lots of
loving would be the prescription.  Whatever the reason, if the ferret
eats and gains weight, he is in the right place.
 
In my opinion, the only reason you need to save a ferret is that the
ferret needs saving.  If this ferret is anywhere near me (California)
I would take him and give him a good home.
 
Shirley
[Posted in FML issue 5212]