Hello there, I was just reflecting on living with ferrets for the past 3 years now. Our ferret family has grown to 7. I love them sooooooo much and all that I've learned and experienced. One thing that I find interesting is the fact that I have heard others comment on ferrets not being affectionate or cuddly. I used to think this in the very beginning. Not being used to ferrets, always having dogs and cats, they seemed not to be very interested in being picked up, held, petted and cuddled. At least in any recognizable way that I was used to. I gradually have found my ferts to be affectionate in much more subtle ways, placing a paw on me or laying a head on my leg or foot and looking up at me to be picked up, or the not so subtle, climbing up on mom's leg or any accessible area and dropping on mom's head. Now that's love! As the years progressed and my ferts got older, ( now 1 1/2 to 3 years old) they have become quite the little love bugs. I started out by always kissing and rubbing them when they were sleepy and at first they didn't really like it. But now they have gotten used to it and will even arch up and rub their little heads against me to be petted. It is so cute. My Ruby will roll for attention and let me tickle her tummy and rub her little face. They all give kisses now, some more than others. My Scrappy loves my hair and ears, when I lay down he will snuffle and lick my head and face, but I have to be careful because he will chomp ears. He used to suck his brothers ears when he was little and still has a ear fetish. I hear that when ferrets get even older they become even more interested in cuddling, I can't wait! I'm lucky to have experienced my little ones from babies on and the changes are so intriguing as they get older, sure babies are so cute, but the bond and affection that grows between me and my ferts is just awesome. In what ways do your ferrets show love and affection? suzi L. [Posted in FML issue 4024]