Hi, everybody!
 
Just a few quick notes about some recent subjects:
 
FERRETS AND OTHER GOMERS
My sympathy goes out to Bethie who lost her beloved Juan, a parakeet.  I was
glad to see that you understand that your ferret isn't a murderer, just a
little misguided.  To be honest, if you had another ferret, they would have
only found the cage sooner.  Those little rascals are so much quicker when
they have a partner in crime!  ; )  Honestly, though, many ferrets are
happier if they have a buddy.  You might give some thought to adding another
ferret to your family.  As for your bird-buddy, I would recommend that you
consider hanging the cage from the ceiling or placing it on a tall stand
_well_ out of reach.
 
Likewise for folks with rabbits or other small animals.  I have heard quite
a few tales of ferrets "snacking" on small animals especially rodents and
birds.  I'm sure there are many exceptions (I know Paleface is too mellow to
give a mouse a second thought), but why tempt fate?  : ) I would recommend
that ferrets and the littler guys be kept far apart.
 
FERRET WHIFF  (aka Oooh, That Smell...)
I'm sure the debate goes on, but I am a firm believer that ferrets do not
need to be bathed (unless they get into something really rank).  I too
bathed Paleface once upon a time.  He hated it; I hated it; he didn't smell
any better for being bathed.  Ergo, I haven't bathed him for ages.  His skin
seems healthy, and, honestly, he doesn't smell strongly at all (and I'm a
clean-freak).  Carrie, the best advice I can offer to keep the odor down is
to change the bedding _frequently_.  Also, keep the litter-box clean.  Those
two sources seem to be the origin of the worst odors.  Good luck!  And, if
worse comes to worse, ditch the roommate!  ; ) Oh, one last suggestion...
Glade plug-in Neutral room deodorizers do wonders if all else fails (and you
don't mind a vaguely pineapple smell).
 
See y'all!
 
Gina
and
Paleface (I'm offended at the very suggestion...)
[Posted in FML issue 1443]