I need to know if anyone has suggestions for keeping ferrets from drinking out of the Christmas tree basin (yeah, right!). The tree stand is a shallow metal one, several years old, and has a rusty bottom. Naturally, I'm worried that the water isn't good for them to drink, but am at my whit's end how to keep them out of it! The tree skirts covers the bowl, but they just poke their way through - I really don't think I can keep them out of it. Is there something I can add to the water that will be distasteful for the ferrets but won't kill the tree? I plan to get a different tree stand for next year, but I'm stuck for this year. Would appreciate anything that's worked for you. [Posted in FML issue 3255]