Gerry - what you have described in your post - really tells me that you have a carbon minoxide leak somewhere. I really think you should get the gas company out there immediately to test your ENTIRE heating system. I had a pet rat that I gave to a neighbor for safe keeping after the fire of our house. He went through the exact same symptoms you are describing - red feet, tarry stools, weakness and them ultimately, death. My neighbor was heartbroken and didn't know what happened to him. I suggested, that since she had two previous rats that died, and one bird (she didn't tell me that when she agreed to watch my pet) - that she contact the Gas company. She did, and found there was a hairline leak - not enough to really bother humans, except for an occasional headache, but quite enough to cause the death of small rodents and birds. I really hope this helps you - and that you can find the root to your problem! On any accord, I would suggest you find a place for your remaining buddies until you can rule that out. Good luck! Kimberly Gorman Regional Translations Engineer Cricket Communications A Leap Company Albuquerque NM 87107 Office: 505-872-7773 Fax: 505-872-7790 Cell: 505-228-4130 Cricket cell: 489-2470 [Posted in FML issue 3812]