You asked..... I believe that even in a shelter situation ferrets should be out of cage at least 4 hours a day, divided into at least 2 times a day, with social interaction during those times. If the ferrets are in a free roam shelter, kept in their own room, they should still be let out to roam other parts of the house BECAUSE that one room is just a cage to them, or if that is totally impossible, the caretaker should spend QUALITY time with the ferrets in that room twice a day. You want to know something maddening? I know someone whose ferrets don't get out every day yet this person tells me they do when I know they can't or this person would never sleep. It nags at me and breaks my heart to know that someone I trusted has chosen to not follow my example and suggestions... that this person is harming their ferrets...and that this person deceives me....sigh.... I don't understand the problem on individual homes not allowing the ferrets out adequate and required time. If it takes time out of your personal schedule, well then so be it. YOU are responsible for the happiness of the ferret that YOU took on. Leaving them pining away in a cage is UNACCEPTABLE. Not cleaning cages every single day is UNACCEPTABLE. Not spending quality time with them is UNACCEPTABLE. It is also UNACCEPTABLE for shelters to do, or should I say not do, the same. Cleanliness, activity, socialization is all part of your responsibilities. Let me lock YOU in your bedroom closet for 3 days and see how you like it. I'll check in on day 3 and MAYBE I'll clean your messes up or maybe I won't! A ferret has only a few years to be here with us and you are going to leave them in a cage for days?! How can you do that to such a loving trusting dependant creature???? I get so angry I could just spit! (and for those that know me, that is darn angry). Hugs to all. 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 3397]