Many pet stores are not aware that feeding MF ferrets something other than MF food voids their guarantee so for those having problems with the food issue at pet stores in their areas, you might tell them this. As it is now, the pet stores are reimbursed for some medical expenses and deaths of the kits but if MF finds out they aren't feeding their food that could change. If the petstores know they aren't going to be reimbursed maybe they will be more likely to follow the rules, but then again maybe not. With ferrets being such fussy eaters, they would get a better start at the stores if they were at least fed the food they are use to. sigh. In all petstore issues, contact the state regulating agency. Petstores obtain licenses to operate and they are inspected on a yearly basis, at least that is how it is in Kansas. File a written complaint with the state agency and with any local animal welfare agencies as well as the human health dept (unsanitary conditions IS a human health hazard). Write letters to the editor in your local and area papers. Make spot checks and each time something is wrong (such as not food or water) tell the manager and ask that it be taken care of right away (as you wait). Try explaining that Hungry ferrets are BITING ferrets and BITING ferrets can be cause for concern. Hugs. tle Troy Lynn Eckart Ferret Family Services http://www-personal.ksu.edu/~sprite/ffs.html http://www.geocities.com/Petsburgh/Haven/5481/ Please sign up to support our charity http://www.iGive.com/html/ssi.cfm?cid=46&mid=58395 [Posted in FML issue 3250]