Dear Debbie, Your post (15 Feb 2000 to 16 Feb 2000 (#2000-2961)) was not addressed to me, yet I felt a twinge of almost angry frustration when I read it. I have to ask, do you have children? I'm so glad you have the books on ferret care. I especially like Bell's book. To me, this means you really care about fuzzies enough to be informed. I've found that having ferrets is a lot like having children. There are innumerable books of facts, opinions, and psychologies on the proper care, feeding, & nurturing. Unfortunately, not all answers are in black and white and there is no consistent, accurate scale by which to measure most of their problems. Temperature: a thermometer, upset tummy: poop appearance, Stress:..... well, the big kid has been swiping his lunch money and he's so ashamed of his weakness that he doesn't want to tell me... did you think I was talking about ferrets? How did I know he was stressed... what symptoms did he have... he was cranky, he sneaked to get extra treats after school that he knew I wouldn't allow, he was sullen if I if petted him or asked if something was wrong. If he'd been a ferret, he might have lost some hair or nipped as well... It all means... that each ferret, like each child (my other child stomped the bully & got 3 days of detention), is different. I'm not a vet, just a Dr. Mom. My boys are grown and on their own now and non the worse for having been my medical school. Debi Christy [Posted in FML issue 2963]