First, I would like to say thank you to the "keepers" of the FML. Although some postings may be considered to be controversial, the majority of postings are very informational. I am relatively new to the world of carpetsharks (3 years). I have three: Sable 4 y/o female (yes, sable coloration), Bear 1.5 y/o male (cream color w/Siamese mask & approx. 3.5 pounds), and Princess approx. 1 y/o rescue (blaze gray & white). (all have been tested and are ADV negative) I have only had Princess since December 26. I had gone to my local humane society to purchase a 2002 license for my one dog (the other is tattooed). They had this precious little girl in a cage on top of a rabbit pen with a sign "do not touch - bites!". The sign was true - she nailed my finger and tore into one of the shelter staff members. I asked about adoption or fostering. They turned me down deeming her "unadoptable". I had already made arrangements to travel to the closest office of the Pennsylvania Ferret Rescue (PFRA) on Wednesday so I called the rescue director. Mary was concerned and called the humane society and had them release the ferret to me on behalf of the PFRA (if she was not picked up on Wednesday, she was going to be "put down" on Thursday). I took her down to Mary's and she looked her over and checked her general health. We trimmed her nails and deemed that she is deaf. Mary gave me permission to take her back home and foster her. I am happy to say - we are living happily ever after. Princess has not even attempted to nip me since bringing her home and after two nights of separation, I placed her into my large cage with my two and now they snuggle into their sleeper at night in one big ferret ball. Princess has gained weight and her fur is much softer and shinier after a bath, attention, and endless love & friendship from her "mother" and new brother & sister. As a final note: I contacted the Executive Director who asked me for the PFRA information and stated that one task for the board is to compile an information booklet for staff members containing contacts for rescue centers. If a little one can be adopted out to a new family from a humane society - wonderful. But if it has "behavioral problems" and is otherwise deemed unadoptable, call in someone knowledgeable who knows ferrets and give the little one a second chance. Trimming Nails: Even the most "squirmy" ferret will usually become preoccupied with a bit of ferretone, ferretvite, nutrical, etc. when placed onto their belly fur allowing you the necessary time to trim their nails single handedly. Bedding Material: I work in an office and occasionally bring home a bag of the cross-cut paper from the shredder. I place it on the very bottom layer of my cage (4-story superpet) and they will dig through it and when accidents occur, the paper soaks up the wetness and gives you easy cleanup. In their litter pans, I use wood stove pellets - much less expensive than any type of litter and works wonderfully containing any odor and wetness. I change mine every day and put two scoops into each litter box. Oh yes - one more thing. I also have a "J-Channel" feeder on my ferret cage because it is more difficult for them to mischievous and empty the dish. This is the same type of feeder that was in the pictures of the MF "raid". They are by no means automatic feeders - but it does allow for larger quantities of food to be available especially for multi-ferret homes. I have more opinions but I will save those for another posting. Thank you. ... Amy J. Long - Altoona, PA Bear, Sable, Princess (as well as dogs, cats, birds & fish) [Posted in FML issue 3661]