I have adopted many ferrets age two or older. The oldest two were at least 4+ years (vet's best guess). Other than having fewer years to enjoy them, I see little or no difference - based on age - in the amount of time it takes them to adjust and become loving and engaging pets. What they went through before being rescued is probably a more critical factor than age. They are wonderfully adaptable - mostly they seem to view life as one big adventure. If ferrets could speak, I am sure their motto would be something like "Everything was put here to play with - and it's up to me to figure out how ..." I rescued two ferrets back in 1995 that were being ignored in someone's back yard. A friend from work knew I was crazy about ferrets and mentioned that the current owners didn't want them. One was a large beautiful female about two, the other a large undernourished, scraggly albino male at least 4 years old. The cage reeked (no litter pan) and had actually rotted thru in the corner they used for poops. I won't go into the rest of it ... but when I got them home, they dived into the Totally Ferret and I could hardly keep the bowls filled for a month. And their favorite treat was ... fresh water. Well, the old guy had no idea how to be a ferret - the "girls" (Sugar & Taz) and Peaches (his 2 year old co-rescue) provided months of belly laughs as I watched them teach Dudley how to beg for treats (and eat them), run through tubes, and even how to dook. Duds was gentle and quiet - went on to live to age eight - my longest lived ferret to date. And he never failed to thank me for a treat - always ate it then came back to brush my foot with his chin and look up at me a moment before trotting off ... My newest 4 year old adoptee and his 2 year old buddy moved right in, greeted the resident ferrets and made themselves at home, had a ball exploring and learning the ropes. Dooker, my all time favorite had two adrenal tumors when I adopted him at age 11 months. He was almost euthanized as a bad biter by his former owner. After surgery and a little time, he became the world's greatest, smartest and most loving ferret (just ask me). They were all wonderful in wonderfully different ways. All they needed was love, good food, and a chance to show how wonderful they could be. After Dooker's death, I swore never again, couldn't take the heartache ... but I continue to adopt, because there is nothing like a ferret. And I never let their age deter me - I would take a six or eight year old, as readily as a six month old. [Posted in FML issue 3982]