ECE: ferrets shed this virus for at least 6 to 8 months even when they aren't symptomatic, so what we did (due to the "at least") is we simply did not risk any exposure (even us not going to shows or into petstores) for a full year after our guys got over it, and that way we didn't cause anyone else to become ill. That is pretty much a standard way to handle it and I know that lots of people here at the FML have done the same thing, both before us and after us. Christy, that sounds to me like it could be adrenal neoplasia since her back is going bald; time for a vet visit to see if she needs corrective surgery unless her health prevents that in which case discuss Lupron and melatonin. It is hard to tell long distance if a pattern is as it sounds. Always check with a ferret knowledgeable vet; nothing replaces that. Polecat crosses: yes, I have also heard of such half and half crosses being more fearful and faster, in fact, I have heard of them being more athletic in general, though I have no personal experience with them. One person wrote of them being prone to upsetting confusion -- seeming to want to flee and want to approach at the same time. I've also heard of crosses who made out well. It makes sense that either could happen. One thing I found interesting in what I read is that several people wrote of them being much better at navigation and seeming to have better senses of smell and perhaps of longer range sight. There are some very good past posts in the FML Archives and elsewhere on potential pros and potential cons of such hybridizing. It isn't something to do lightly, but then many breeding choices should not be taken as lightly as too many have taken them. Fortunately, the more info there is available the better choices people can make. [Posted in FML issue 4066]