Domestic ferrets have retained a number of juvenile characteristics, and the ability to get along in a group is one of them. Retaining juvenile characteristics is a common feature among domesticated animals. Don't expect CA F&G's arguments to be based on real references, logic or consistency. After all, why should they break long held patterns when those who hold the purse-strings haven't demanded a better standard more in keeping with the level of so many other states' F&G Departments? Some individuals prefer being solitary. Hey, there's room for variation. Some like it because they grew up with it and have enough interactions with other species. Sevie always preferred other animals including humans to ferrets. Haleakala grew up with ferrets but had a male accidentally bite through one of her eyes during mating before she came here and after that she would only tolerate kits, otherwise preferring to be away from ferrets. Normally around here we many times a day have a bounding fog of ferrets running and jumping all over each other with great joy. Somehow they manage to make themselves seem like more individuals than they are during play. I am glad film canister situation which named Weeds worked out right. What a scene! Not long ago we learned (not the hard way, luckily, but through someone else's experimentation) that even though only one of the companies selling them admits to false positives (and none of those companies offer more accurate forms of testing) it really is true that those urine tests give false readings for opiates when people eat food with poppy seeds. The effect begins within minutes (so rapidly that it was startling) and lasts as long as 72 hours afterward. So, if someone ever creates a situation which might lead to a stronger ferret name before using a urine test... The latest on Brewer's Yeast is that it appears to lower blood sugar which is why is considered useful for humans with diabetes, but not good for insulinoma. Excellent points, Mary! I'm all FOR people using things noticed like changes in behavior, odor, etc. to ADD in an extra vet appointment if something is not really right -- that can save a ferret's life and SHOULD be done -- but no one should ever diminish veterinary care for that reason. Luckily, that was not what happened in the case that was discussed here, but like most folks have said, ferrets need medical care and no one should find excuses to rob them of such an essential thing. There is the scary risk that someone who is not as responsible as the folks in the case discussed here might do exactly that, instead of using a ferret vet as was done for that ferret. Also, keep an open mind, since sometimes no matter who describes something as a probable cause there may be actually something else going on or something in addition so never try to force the direction of a diagnosis, but do mention what possibilities worry you to your vets, folks. Sukie Short-cuts to health info: http://www.smartgroups.com/groups/ferrethealth http://www.ferretcongress.org http://fhl.sonic-weasel.org/ [Posted in FML issue 4082]