Hi, This is my first post. I've been reading the FML for a while now and think it's great...the wealth of information, the sharing and comradery, etc. I have learned a lot, and even got to adopt a couple of nice big fellows in response to a post (they're doing fine, Debi, and Pinky is not biting very often now). Many of your stories have touched me. I was in tears after reading about David's experience with the thoughtless neighbor and her bug spray. I can't even imagine his anguish and anger. I no longer live in an apartment but, if I did, I think I'd want to ask the manager about their policy regarding residents' use of insecticides, fumigants, etc., on their own, and I'd also want to know how well they communicate and enforce any prohibitions . David's loss was horrific, but there may be health sequelae down the road for others who were sleeping peacefully in their beds that night (especially the babies, children, and smaller pets). I called my vet to report David's story because I think the word should get out about the dangers of these sprays, and she (a ferret owner herself) was horrified. Maybe if we all learn from this (it sure opened my eyes), there will be a "silver lining" to David's tragedy. I also want to let Geoff know that the accident with the chair resulting in Rikis death was just that - an accident - and that he shouldn't beat himself up about it. Over the years that I have had ferrets, I have done things that could have been disasterous, but I was lucky, and I learned from those experiences. I think most of us can relay a story or two of actions we took or failed to take which, in retrospect, seemed careless. When ferrets roam the house (and they are so much happier given that opportunity), they are exposed to many more risks and dangers than when they are confined, and it is very hard to foresee all of them. If Riki could return, I know she'd forgive you, Geoff, and thank you for the nice, well-loved life she had with you, and for taking the very best care of her and her buddies that you could. Now, I could use some help...and I'm sort of embarrassed to ask, since, with all my years of ferret "ownership" (or is it the other way around?), I like to think of myself as an expert. I have never really resolved the litter box thing. My ferrets only seem to use the boxes reliably when they are confined to the point that their food, water, and sleeping quarters would be contaminated if they relieved themselves anywhere but where they should (as in the double-wide rabbit hutch they are confined to sometimes). The four of them live in a linoleum-floored room , however, and are frequently out in the house, much of which is carpeted. I have to admit here that I'm not very good at following my beasties around too closely in disciplinarian mode; I work a couple of jobs and have little free time, so I usually just want to play with them when they're out in the house for an hour or so once or twice each weekday, and for longer periods on the weekends. Are there others out there who have had any luck with "lazy" methods of litter box training. I've tried scattering food and water bowls, toys, and nest areas around their room, but that doesn't seem to help much. Given an abundance of space, my ferrets seem pretty lazy, too! (I'm generalizing here...they do vary in terms of their willingness to seek out a litter box.) I suppose I could just hang up a white flag and start papering the entire floor. (Incidentally, I do use newspaper (no colors) as a litter box material. I tried "Yesterday's News" but the beasties didn't seem interested in it, except for one, who tried to eat it, so they don't have access to that anymore. If anyone out there has some ideas, I'd love to hear them! Susan Cooper [log in to unmask] [Posted in FML issue 3413]