I sent a response to Esther and Kevin, but thought I might chime in my 2
cents worth here, too.  Here's their post:
 
>...I've noticed that alot of folks have mentioned letting their ferrets
>outside to play.  So far mine've only been on leashes, yet I hear about
>people just letting them outside in fields to play, etc.  Am I reading
>things wrong in assuming that these ferrets won't just run off and not
>come back?  I've seen pictures of ferrets in lawns and gardens too, but I
>really wonder how possible it is to just let them loose like that and what
>problems might you expect if you do so...
 
I'm sure some people responded to them besides me, but it was all private,
so for the sake of the list (oh, how noble) I'm stating for the record: out
running in fields without leashes???!!!  I can't remember anyone who has
posted saying they've done this, and I can't believe anyone would.  Ferrets
are curious little creatures who are fascinated with one thing, then
another, then another... until they are totally lost.  We're having a
discussion on the newsgroup about this and the consensus so far is that
ferrets do not have a homing instinct.  Some folks (like Rebecca's (sniff)
husband, Don) will build enclosures out in their backyard, or even
ferret-proof their whole yard, but that's about it.  Otherwise, ferrets are
securely fastened to their hoomans with leashes and harnesses while they
are roaming in the Great Unknown.
 
Running through my mind are all those times I've taken Taz and Jasper
outside.  Without a harness and leash, they would surely be gone.
 
Ariel and her fesnyng (What's out there, mommy? Let me see!)
[Posted in FML issue 2355]