Christmas and Ferrets!
 
Gifts: Forget it.  Tons of reports about the fact that ferrets do not
respect the "Do not open before Christmas" sign.  Take gifts out 20 minutes
before opening.  Or stack them on a table, away from reach.
 
Manger scene:  A few reports of missing sheep/lamb figures.
 
Electric trains: A couple of good stories reported.  Worst case, the train
was late!
 
Tree skirts: Should be made of heavy material.  Some digging reports.  Lots
of digging under.  Good place to sleep.
 
Stand:  A couple of falling trees reported. Get a good stand!
 
Water: If you use a natural tree, do not add any additive to the water if
you cannot ferret proof the base.  Ferrets WILL find the water and drink
some.  If you let them drink (no problems reported if you don't use
additives) then watch carefully as you will have to fill the container more
often!
 
Tree: No major problems reported, even with natural trees.  Remove sap or
pine pitch stuck to their fur with vegetable oil.  It does seem to be a good
place to sleep as well.  Got two reports of ferrets trying to drag the tree
away!
 
Climbing: Some odd reports of ferrets climbing almost all the way to the
top.  Most reports will give them 2-3 feet max.  Some will not climb, but
stretch and get whatever they can from the ground.
 
Ornaments: (See Climbing).  Avoid any breakable ornaments on the bottom 2-3
feet.  Avoid the wire hooks (couple of bad reports).  Smaller objects have a
tendency to end-up under the couch.  They love and destroy the "unbreakable"
satin wrapped styrofoam balls.
 
Candy canes: They don't finish them, and you'll find them stuck to your
carpet!  For now, let say we should avoid chocolate until we have consensus
about it.
 
Electrical wiring: Absolutely no bad reports!  I guess there's so much to do
with that tree, chewing is not fun enough.  Using a ground fault plug may
still be a good idea.  Survey electrical cords daily, just in case.
 
Bulbs/lights: LOTS of reports of ferrets trying to chew/bite them.  More fun
when they are on or blinking.  No breaking reported, but it seems to a
common thing... leave the lower 3 feet of your tree in the dark!
 
Tinsel/garlands: Reports of some "Flashy" poop found in the litter box.
Cannot be good for the stomach!  I would avoid tinsel.  Some people
suggested alternatives, but I'll let you use your imagination (I got the
usual "popcorn" garland... Sorry, but my ferret would eat this all the way
to the top!)
 
Holiday plants: A lot of them are poisonous!  Add to this all the digging.
Basically, avoid them!
 
Stockings: Don't forget your ferret.  It's not what you put inside that is
important... It's the fact that it's a good place to have a nap in, once it
is empty!
 
Fireplace: Pretty obvious, but visitors may leave it open for your pet to
visit.  Please be careful!
 
Guests: You should lock them up during your parties (the ferrets, not the
guest).  Enough bad reports to justify it.  Biting, chewing personal items,
stealing, being sat on, stepped on, accidently kicked.  They may not be able
to sleep in your size 6 shoe, but your visitor may not like finding a
sleeping ferret in his boots!
 
Ornaments: If you have really nice ones then you may want to hang them on
things like chandeliers.  They still look good, and they'll be safe!
 
Casualty reports: Stuck turkey bones in the throat - two reports.  Don't
give 'em - period!
[Posted in FML issue 2144]