Jonathan,
 
        Potty training a ferret is certainly no small feat!  Many owners I have
spoken with have been happy with "hits around the designated area most of the
time" and given up on the 100% goal.  After almost 2 years of agonizing with
Sam, we are pretty happy with her consistency.  She is usually off and on
with hitting the right place 100% in periods of a week or so.  However, she's
been perfect for almost a month, now.
 
        I'm not exactly sure what worked, but being there for every "backing up"
sequence and rewarding with Ferretone was a factor, I'm sure.  What DOESN'T do
any good is scolding or anything along those lines.  The ferret will most likely
give you a "so what's your attitude problem?" look or play ignorant and deny all
charges.  :)   Patience on your part is a key, and don't forget to keep the pan
reasonably clean (with a little bit of old scent left there, of course).
 
        My wife and I did read a great book we found in the library about a year
ago that suggested an idea I wished we had tried.  Limit the ferret's free space
to a very small zone at first, with the pan in a convenient location.  When
he/she begins hitting consistently, gradually widen the area that they are
allowed to play in, with the pan always remaining in the same location.  I've
never heard from anyone else how well this works, but it sure sounded like it
was worth a try.  Granted, "boxing" a ferret in might be tougher than potty
training!  :)  Also, I realize that you said yours wouldn't even hit the pan
in its cage unless you left it for a long time.  If you do decide to give this
a shot, please let me know how it works out.
 
        Good luck!!
 
[Posted in FML issue 0796]