I know that when one refers to a ferret as an "alpha" the term is meant differently than say an afpha in a wolf pack. The behavior and jobs are different. An alpha ferret often is a bit alone from the pack, is watchful, is a leader in behaviors (ever notice that when your alpha is hyper they all get hyper and vice versa). I have tried not to compare my ferrets to other animals and social behaviors but its hard not to sometimes. I have noticed the following in my group: 1) we have a beta 2) we have an omega 3) in between each ferret seems to have their own job much of the time Our beta is a male. He is connected to the hip to his brother (real brother) the alpha, except when the alpha is doing all his duties (watching over everyone, leading behavior, smelling around to lead the way, etc). Our beta, although a male, is very very maternal. He acts like everyones mother. He is the "calming" factor in our group. Thats what his job is....to calm everyone, and to mother them. We have an Omega, unfortunately. I have never seen this before. This is a ferret whom is on the bottom wrung of the ladder. The very bottom wrung. He is the one that when ferrets tossle they like to beat on him (in fun so to speak). He is the one that when one of the ferrets is mad they go to take it out on him so to speak. This ferret walks around very cautiously in a way... making sure he "follows the rules" and stays out of other ferrets ways. Don't get me wrong, he is happy. How? I have no idea, I can't tell you how, but I can tell he is happy. He is more people oriented anyway and gets much of our attention. He prefers to be with all the ferrets rather than being alone despite things. Anyway I was wondering what you all have observed in ferret behavior and if you've ever noticed what I have in multible ferret households. Wolfy Please visit: http://www.geocities.com/wolfysluv/ for information on ferret deafness: http://www.geocities.com/wolfysluv/deaf.html [Posted in FML issue 3723]