The ferrets are all shedding their sleek summer wardrobes and adding those full, fluffy winter coats. That means several things... 1. They need to be given a hairball remedy. There are quite a few brands out there, if your ferret doesn't like one, try another. I've found that Laxatone seems to be enjoyed by most. 2. They'll be itchier than usual. 3. You need to keep an eye on their stools and eating habits. If the stools start to look "stringy" or narrower than usual, or change color, or the ferret drastically cuts back on food intake, it's time for a trip to the vet. Hairballs are a very common cause of intestinal blockages. Sometimes they can be broken down or pushed out with unsweetened pineapple juice or a major overdose of hair ball remedy, but if that doesn't help or the ferret becomes completely blocked, emergency surgery will be nessecary. :::::::::::kind of gross stuff next::::::::::::: 4. You can easily check your ferrets poop for passed hairballs (and lots of other stuff) by turning a ziplock bag inside out, picking up the poop, righting the bag and sealing it. Now you can squish the contents around. Hairballs usually are about 1-1 1/2 inches long, 1/8-1/2 inch wide, and feel very solid. They are a whiteish/greyish color. If your ferret passes one, make sure to give the hairball remedy, because it's a good chance there's more behind it. I'm not a vet, and this is not medical advice, just general ferret care info. Please speak to a ferret knowledgeable vet before administering treatment to your ferret. Anne [Posted in FML issue 3197]