Looks like I started reading just in time!  I have been overwhelmed with
work this past semester keeping all the labs running around here.  My
favorite expression for a group of ferrets comes from my wife who
came up with a MESS OF FERRETS.  I think it not only has a nice ring but
summarizes the aftermath.
 
As to how to spot a ferret in heat, that is easy.  The vulva swells up
quite noticeably.  Unfortunately this is also the most common sign of
an adrenal tumor, which leads (as I know) to great cost just figuring out
what is going on.
 
For those who remember, Buttercup was "bred" with a gentle male and
her swelling finally disappeared and all her hair has returned.  She is
looking quite plush these days!  We still don't know if it was the adrenal
tumor with a long recovery or a botched spay.  Apparently they are
seeing a number of uterine stumps remaining in the kits spayed young
(info via my vet from one of the biggies -- but I can't remember who).
 
                                        Mike, Erica, Ian
                                         Inigo, Buttercup, Fezzik, Alexis, ...
 
[Posted in FML issue 0842]