Hi there, I've been lurking around here for about 2 months.  Gord (my
accomplice) and I got our first ferret about 10 months ago, and now we have
four of them.  Two from pet shops, and two from the Calgary SPCA shelter.
 
We did things sort of wrong, got the ferret and then figured out what to do
with it (our supposed ferret expert of a friend turned out to know nothing
at all about ferrets and we wound up learning things the hard way).  A
friend discovered the Ferret FAQ and downloaded a bunch of info for us from
it (our Ferret was very grateful) and as soon as we finally got ourselves
internet access we joined up here!!!  Since getting our first ferret we have
done a lot of homework, and our subsequent ferrets have been brought home to
a much more prepared home.
 
Everyday I read this FML I learn something, and I want to thank you all for
being here!
 
And now my contribution:
 
*LITTER TRAINING*
 
Ever since our two most recent ferrets were brought into the house there has
been an ongoing dispute with litter training (this of course had to kick up
right after we had convinced our other two that litter-boxes are a good
thing - for more than just digging in).  Since this seems to be a common
complaint around here, I thought I would throw in what appears to have
solved our problem (for now at any rate)
 
I tried everything I could think of - scrubbing the "wrong" corners with all
sorts of stinky stuff (By the way, I have found that a product called "Out"
available in the pet supply corner of Walmart is fairly effective at
eliminating odors).  Sterilizing litter-boxes/not sterilizing litter-boxes.
Leaving leftovers in the litter-box, removing every single leftover from the
box.  Rewarding them for using the box, having a hissy fit anytime somebody
missed.  Nothing was providing near consistent results.
 
The thing that had me really perplexed is that the little darlings were
missing just outside one particular litter box located in their enclosure.
First thing one morning I got up and cleaned up the usual misfires and went
to work.  When I got home I checked the enclosure again and to my great
pleasure nobody had missed all day long.  Feeling very proud of my kids I
went inside the enclosure and played with them for about an hour and that
was when it occurred to me.  Most of their initial "misses" happen at night.
Immediately I ran and grabbed an unused night-light and plugged it in an
outlet near to their enclosure.  And the next morning a miracle occurred -
nobody had missed.  Their enclosure is located in our basement and not much
light exists down there at night when the lights are out.  I guess one of
them must not want to crawl inside a litter-box unless he/she can actually
see inside of it - and of course once the first ferret misses the mark, the
rest of them must follow suit.
 
I hope this is of use to someone else.
 
* Lorraine - Oh look sweetie - that would be perfect for the ferrets!.
* Gordon - Hon, is it just me or are we spending more on the ferrets than
  any of the other critters.
* Jester - 1 yr M - Cinnamon (our first) - Me boss!
* Mischief - 2 yr F - Albino (our second) - I am queen!
* Spazz - 5 mo M - Silver Mitt(our third) - Oooooo a squeaky toy, it must
  be hidden someplace safe!
* Trouble 1.5 yr F - Silver Mitt (our forth) - Born to escape!
* Maggie (The Cat) - No, I don't have to like them!
* Enid (The Iguana) - You can't be serious!
 
PS - Gordon and I are trying to find as many other Ferret FMLers as possible
who live in the Calgary, Alberta, Canada area.  Drop me a line if you live
near here and want to connect with other Alberta Ferret Owners.
[Posted in FML issue 1388]