Condolences to those with lost, sick, or angeled feather filchers... (Hey! That ferret toy has feathers! Let's steal them! Mine! No, *mine*! Gimme that feather! Ha, ha! Not *I've* got the feather! MineMineMineMineMine!) In Saturday's (FML #2004-4450) suzi lambert mumbled something about: >I have a ferret named Lu Lu Bell (AKA Lucifer) who is quite a challenge. Don't we all? :) >I need some suggestions to help ferret proof the gate now. I'd recommend measuring the opening of that doorway and then going to your nearest Home Supply store. Go to the lumber and glass department and find where they have the plexiglas materials. Usually, they will have scrap pieces laying around. Take your measurements and check them against some of the scrap pieces. You only need an additional piece of about six inches high, since your little one has probably grown about as much as she will in length. If a piece is a little too long, ask them if they will cut it down for you. Just fit the extra piece at the to of your current gate and you've solved your problem! Another suggestion is to get a piece of PVC pipe that is about 1 inche in diameter. Ask the service person there to cut you a piece exactly as wide as your doorway opening. THEN ask him if he could cut a slit the length of that pipe in it. A good service person can do this on the table saw. Make sure that the slit is only as wide as your barrier is thick. Then just slip the piece of pipe over the top of the gate and she won't have anything to hang on to any more! :) >She has also learned to climb me and climb my leg so that when I go over >the gate she is clinging on my leg and goes over with me. The obvious solution here, is to place items you want to work with, over the barrier first (set the bowls on the other side of the barrier), so that when you go over, you won't have your hands full. To prevent her from jumping up and climbing your leg, pick her up and carry her with you when you step over the barrier, then turn around and put her back down on her side of the barrier. I do this all the time with my ferrets. The few moments of attention they get from being picked up and carried seems to satisfy them. If it doesn't, its too late for them to do anything, anyway. Remember to put your extra barrier protection up as soon as you put her down, though...or put her on your shoulder, then add the extra protection, *then* put her back in the room. >And...she is bitey, I have been working with her for a long time and she >seems to get a little better and then she is back at it. She constantly >bites and scratches at my feet and ankles. Try putting some Vick's Vaporub on your ankles before going into the room. It can make a world of difference! Another option is getting a pair of jeans that are a bit too long for you. Put them on before going into the room...the extra length will keep her from getting to your ankles. You don't have the wear the jeans all the time...just hang them outside the ferret room and wear them as needed. I'd love to have her here for a while. Most of my ferrets are just like her! Todd and the Fuzzbutt Rodeo Clowns! --- mailto:[log in to unmask] http://www.netconex.com/toddl/page2/ [Posted in FML issue 4451]