Hi, I posted to the FML once before and got some great advice about "toilet training." I now have another problem, which I hope somebody can shed some light on. For background...Until 1-1/2 months ago, I had just the two healthy 4-year-old males, Stretch and Jerry, former MF research subjects (and both neutered as young adults). I then adopted two delightful males, now named Klepto and Merlin, who are about 2 years old. Coincidentally, at that same time, I changed the ferrets' diet, having again found a source for Totally Ferret - the four ferrets now get about 50% Totally Ferret, about 20% MF Ferret Food, about 20% Eukenaba Kitten Chow, and a bit of 8-in-1. I haven't used Totally Ferret for a couple of years and never used the MF before now. Eukaneba Kitten Food and/or Iams Kitten Food have been staples for years though (usually mixed about half-and-half with 8-in-1) . Diet may have nothing to do with the problem, but I want to cover all bases. Stretch, one of my originals, has been very, very gradually declining since these two changes. He has lost weight and has had intermittent diarrhea. (The others are having some diarrhea, too, off-and-on., but appear very healthy). His coat is coarser now and he seems to be losing some fur at the base of his tail (though the flesh isn't showing through yet); he has also developed some "blackheads" in that area. He may seem a bit more active than usual. He was really put out by the addition of the new boys, so I chalked his symptoms up to stress in the beginning, but stress shouldn't be a factor now. He just had a complete blood panel, which was normal except for an elevated sodium and chloride (the vet says he is not dehydrated) and a high-normal white blood cell count. His stool sample didn't show anything. The vet did physical exams on the other three ferrets, too, and found nothing concerning. She's perplexed...thinks the Eukaneba might be a problem,; she says it and Iams Kitten Chow are both high in sodium. For her hypothesis to be correct, however, Stretch would have to be selecting out the kitten chow pieces, since the proportion of it in the food mix is actually lower now. Temporarily, he's being confined to a cage by himself with only Totally Ferret to eat, to eliminate some of the variables. I feel a little guilty posting this...others have problems that are so much more serious. But, having lost a ferret to insulinoma, I know how minor symptoms can foretell big problems. If anyone has any suggestions, I'd love to hear from you. Incidentally, I've always got my "ear to the ground" about research ferrets that I might be allowed to pick up from medical colleges, etc. (although based on my most recent round of calls, most now seem to be using kittens instead of ferrets for their intubation training programs). I am, however, in contact with one researcher who wants to start up a gene-research project that would result in many ferrets needing homes. If I ever again find myself with a batch of research ferrets, I'll be posting here to seek out good homes for them, especially in Missouri. It's great to know that ferret lovers can stay connected on this web ring, learn from one another, and support one another. I feel so bad for the people who post sad stories, especially about accidents. Most if not all seem to be very consciencious, thoughtful, intelligent individuals who did something anyone of us might have done, or overlooked something seemingly innocuous. I hope they can forgive themselves and take pride in all the good they have done for their ferrets, including even the ones that were lost. They have also educated the rest of us to dangers we may be overlooking. Sincerely, Susan Cooper [Posted in FML issue 3442]