Greetings and Happy New Year! Well, we've finally made it. The move from Germany back to Northern Virginia is complete, and we're getting settled in. Jasper and Willie are enjoying their new home, and happy to have the entire basement, with the maze of (well-sealed) packing boxes for their own personal playhouse. The transition from the large dog kennel back to their 3 story ferret cage hasn't gone as smoothly tho. For some reason they didn't have a problem with pooping and peeing in their litter box when they were living in smaller accomodations, and would gladly come back to the kennel to potty when they were out playing, but when their big cage (the one they've always lived in) arrived on Tues they decided that the litter box was a place to sleep instead of potty. We added another box to restrict the area on the bottom floor in which they could relieve themselves. Of course, you all know where that has led: They simply moved the boxes out of the way when we're not there and pooped where they wanted to anyway. We're hoping this is a temporary defiance thing. Otherwise they seem to be happy with the new arrangements. Physically, they seem to be doing well also. The only noticeable problem is that Willie's nails have become dry and tend to flake and splinter, especially when I trim them. They were in the kennel for a couple of weeks, and their nails got a bit long, plus with the cold spell here the air has been drier than what they're used too, but they haven't been exposed to temps lower than 60 degrees. They've missed out on a few doses of ferretone too while they were in the kennel. But, their fur is still good, and Jasper's nails are good too. (Jasper and Willie are about 8 months old, and litter mates). Any ideas on what to do for Willie's nails would be greatly appreciated. Finally, although we've found a wonderful kennel here, where the staff adores the little guys and takes them out to play with them and carry them around for hours during the day, we still haven't found a ferret knowledgeable vet. We've talked to a couple of offices with vets who seem interested and compassionate, and who specialize in "exotic" animals, but no one who has significant ferret expertise. I know that there must be several in the Fairfax/Alexandria/Lorton/Springfield (Northern VA) area, we just haven't located the right office yet. If anyone has suggestions for vets in our area, we would love to hear them. As for what ferrets steal: Jasper is into leather -- Shoes, briefcases, purses. Willie is a specialist -- he has a fascination with shoes too, but only wants what goes in them: insoles and socks. Undies are also favorites, and don't even try to tell Jasper that the ferret nail clippers are not his -- he simply won't believe you! Please feel free to email me directly with any information. All the best to you and your fuzzies in 2001!!! Pam, Jim, and the stinky boys [Posted in FML issue 3291]