Bob,
 
I am relatively new to the list, but I have really enjoyed your well
thought out post.  If I may, what are some of your credentials?  If you
have listed them in past postings (newsletter, message board what is this
thing?) perhaps I can just look that one up.  Thanks for hard work in
preparing these articles.  Next, You did mention some various problems
that could be leading to poor ferret health.  I know I am guilty of some
of these so how about some suggestions on correction.  If it takes a few
posts I understand:
 
Over crowded cages, in too long - I have three in a cage that is 3X4X4
and let them play about two hours each day
 
Mental stimulation - what could be a good cure for this?
 
Feeding too much and the wrong things - we keep a bowl of kibble
available and will be supplementing some chicken gravy.
 
Thanks for your time,
James, Melissa & Kassidy
 
Loving:  Bebe, Jako, Riley
Missing: Wheezer, Pym, Ricki
[Posted in FML issue 4134]