We just found a ferret, Barret, who was wandering around our house eating our dogfood that we put out for our raccoons. She is darling. We immediately took her to the vet for her shots and check up and they also bathed her. The vet said he could not determine the age but it was a female. We bought her a four story cage and lined it with carpet. It has not even been a full week we have had her but she sleeps almost 90% of the time. She does get up to go to the bottom floor to go to the bathroom and eat and drink. We bought her totally ferret and give her ferrotone (SP?) as a treat and mixed in her food. Her fur is very very coarse and she is so skinny you can see the rib and butt bones. It breaks my heart that someone didn't even try to put flyers up for this darling. We have no idea about Ferrets and that is why we subscribed to this mailing list in hopes of ideas and advice. Our main concern is her underweight and lack of wanting to get out of the cage to play. She is very stinky too. But we love her and know she will get well soon. I will keep everyone posted on Barret's condition but if anyone has any advice about her sleeping please let us know. In fact, any advice is great!! We have 4 cats and 2 hamsters and have never known a ferret! Thanks! Laura [Posted in FML issue 3150]