I've spent a considerable time discussing caging and caging conditions because it represents one of the most important aspects of a ferret's life. No other single factor, excepting diet perhaps, has such an impact on the ferret's short- and long-term health. Ferret owners HAVE to understand the negative impact of caging on ferrets in order to comprehend the importance of a vigorous enrichment program. The reason is obvious: it is clear ferret owners will cage ferrets. The only real solution is education to improve caging and reduce stress. It is extremely important to understand enrichment is NOT just to stimulate a ferret's mind. Enrichment also reduces frustration and boredom. It can help curtail aggression, or help to socialize ferrets unfamiliar with each other. It can help bond a ferret to their owner. Enrichment reduces stress, and clearly diminishes other stress-related diseases. Enrichment helps reduce the types of stress that lead to the General Adaptation Syndrome (or its psychobehavioral counterpart, the Conservation-Withdrawal Syndrome), and ultimately--if long-term--to some level of immune-system dysfunction. Enrichment--of all types--has been shown to reduce levels of adenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH), a pituitary hormone associated with stress hormones such as glucocorticoids and corticosterones (here's one for you scientific types to consider: some of the side-effects of long-term steroid (glucocorticoid) use in humans include acne, aggression, and Cushing's Syndrome. Long-term stress in animals results in an elevation of both corticosteriods and glucocorticoids. Ferrets--for unknown reasons--can get tail acne (rat-tail) and suffer a high incidence of adrenal disease similar to, but NOT the same as, Cushing's Disease that can make them aggressive. Is it possible stress is an exacerbating or triggering factor in adrenal disease in ferrets? Even if it doesn't cause or worsen the disease, can a stress reduction help control symptoms or progress?). Zoos around the world have incorporated enrichment programs into their animal welfare regimes, and most animal testing programs have legislated enrichment requirements into their testing protocols. There is NO doubt enrichment programs benefit members of the large-brained taxa, including our pet ferrets. Ferrets are unique as individuals. Stress that causes severe problems in one ferret may have little effect on another. In some cases, two ferrets may be affected equally, but one may show outward symptoms, and the other may not. Regardless of the impact or severity of stress, ALL ferrets, even those living in a free-roam situation, can benefit from enrichment. Bob C [Posted in FML issue 4188]