Michele,
 
Flooring -  We like to use the cheap woven 'rag' rugs we find in the discount
stores.  They run anywhere from $1 to $2 depending on size and sales.  They
wash well and once they start to unravel we toss them with no great loss.  I
would not recommend the rubber for fear of them chewing on the rubber and
ingesting the pieces.
 
Calling Device - We use a regular dog squeaky toy.  They usually come if they
are:
1. Not asleep.
2. Not otherwise occupied.
Which translates to "not too often."
 
Litter - I've use everything from paper towels to clumpable/scoopable litter.
 I perfer the latter.  We've used scoopable litter for about two years and
find it easy to handle, clean, and controls odor.  Some ferrets who like to
dig in it have been reported to have problems.  We haven't.
 
Tics - I'd be surprised if you ran into that problem unless you frequently
take your ferret for walks in tic infested areas.  The tic is easy to spot on
the ferret.  A little Vasoline rubbed on the tic or mineral oil used to coat
the tic should make it turn loose and you can flush it. Kitten-safe flea and
tic shampoos should also work - follow directions carefully and rinse *well*.
 
Taurine - I'll leave this one to those who know more about ferret dietary
needs.
 
Dick Bossart
[Posted in FML issue 1138]