Hi all!
I noticed the debate in regards to sand & ferrets and just had to respond.
I live on the Chesapeake Bay, and I regularly take ferrets to the beach to
introduce them to the "great outdoors" and leashes.  I've lived her for four
years and I've never had a ferret react to the sand or salt.  In fact, some
of my ferrets go swimming in the ocean!  I think its a matter of common
sense.  I only take my ferrets in the spring/fall or early am in the summer,
they are on leashes and I bring fresh water with me.  I could not deny any
of my ferrets the joy of digging a moat around me, or playing in the
trenches that they dig.  I also use this time to introduce ferrets to
everyone at the beach.  They are very popular.
 
Anyway, just my two cents'  worth.
[Posted in FML issue 1525]