I really didnt expect to be buying another Ferret, my husband has been saying how 5 is enough, but when I went into the local petstore and they had 3 babies in, I just had to say hello and give them all a snuggle. As I was cuddling one then the other, I told the Petshop owner that he had 2 boys and 1 girl, this coming to a surprise to him as he thought he had 3 boys. Two of the kids were wonderful and chubby, bouncy and happy, but the third instantly worried me. Very small, and exstremely thin, as I looked him over I found that he had a prolapsed rectum. He is also quite deaf, which didnt surprise me as he is a silver mitt and our silver mitt Belle is deaf too. What worried me most was that I heard that since they had came in, this little boy hadnt ate. As thin as he is, he should have been eating like a pig. Of course they were feeding the kids dry food, which I suggested they moisten down so it would be easier for them to eat, though the owner of the store told me the other two werent having any trouble with the crunchy food. Well, to make a long story short.. I showed this tiny little boy to my husband who was with me, and I told him how I really want and thought he needed to come home with us. I couldnt leave him behind, not knowing how this poor little boy would do, or where he would go. So there my big 6'2", 300lbs, biker looking, shaved headed, husband stood in the middle of the store, with this little skinny ferret that could fit in his one hand, cuddled up against his chest, it was beautiful, and with a sad little smile on his lips he nodded his head, knowing as I did, we had to take this boy home. Leaving me with the little boy, he went off to the bank to get the money, while I spoke to the shop owner. I told the owner what was the matter with the ferret, and he knows me well, as I stop into the shop everytime I go to the mall. I have taught them about hedgehogs, and discussed with them at the store what foods are best for ferrets and hedgehogs alike. After telling him what was wrong with the little boy, I asked if he could help me out a little.. and without a second thought he cut 50 off the cost.. bringing the cost of our new baby to just 200 with tax included. Regularly ferrets go for 250+tax. Magic came home and found his name, for he really is magic that he has been strong enough to make it all the way from Marshals farms to the west coast of Canada I think. I have been finger feeding him watered mushed ferret food, and trying to teach him to drink from a bowl. (He doesnt lap, he suckles the water... and is at best late 7 weeks old :( He is a darling though, and after eating fairly well, he had a nice looking poop, (which really relieved me somewhat (pun not intentional). We have made him a home in a large cat carrier, as I really feel he is far to small to go in with all the rest of our 5 just yet. Once he has gotten stronger and doesnt wobble so much when he walks, we will begin to introduce one by one, starting with our quiet little Jack who I very gentle. We are going to call Marshals and see if they will refund the money we paid for Magic, as we've really put finances in dire straights with this new arrival, but its well worth it to know that our Magic is safe and getting stronger daily. I just wanted to tell you all about our new baby.. I will hopefully get some pics posted of him and the rest of our kids soon. All hopes and well wishes for our new little tiny boy are certainly appriciated.. and any suggestions on how to help him along. If anyone has any good idea's for fattening the little boy up.. I really would appriciate it. I am thinking Ill get some chicken baby food, and mix that in with his softened food as well, just to help give him a bit of a boost..which this baby -really- needs Well Love and Dooks to all you wonderful caring people, Cheryl & Jason, and Nick all the fuzzy babies, Otto, Mr. Max, Baby Belle, La Jacque (Jack), Bosley the Monster, and Magic! and of course the cats, Fergus, Angus, and Loki (WHAT ANOTHER PAW NIBBLER!!) and the hedgies, Dotti and Dudley, who dont want anything to do with those smelly kids! (OH! and the wet one.. the fish, Floyd who thinks everyone is crazy!) [Posted in FML issue 3723]