Well, I must say that ferrets are the strangest critters.  Here they have
this warm cozy upstairs and a chilly dark basement and guess where some
are?  The basement.  They have the nice warm quilt to cuddle on and lots of
body heat to keep them warm (as well as the small amount of warmth from the
furnace unit and the hot water heater).  Each morning and evening I make
several trips up and down.  Two trips are to bring them fresh warm recipe
which they happily lap up before going back to the warm fluffy quilt.  On
the up trips I take the dirty papers and litter boxes up to clean and
replenish.  Another trip to bring up food and water dishes to clean and
replenish.  And another trip to make sure everyone is comfortable.
 
They have a carpeted ramp, corrugated tube, and steps to use to come
upstairs so it isn't that they can't come up, they just don't want to.
 
I hear them playing in the tube, walking up then sliding down... while I
sit alone in the living room... SIGH.  Occassionally they'll come into the
livingroom and play in the corn starch peanuts, run through the tubes, and
chase each other around but not near as much as before.
 
Oh some do stay upstairs with me, but the most active ones are in the
basement.  Who would have thought such a simple thing would make them so
happy.  I did of course.  :-) Can't miss that look of bliss on their little
furry faces.  (hmmmm... now how can I convert the attic - NOT!)
 
NOW I have several fat ferrets in the group in the basement.  Oh well, it
is winter time.
 
Hugs and happy holidays to all. tle
[Posted in FML issue 2527]