In a message dated 6/24/2004 4:06:17 AM Eastern Daylight Time, [log in to unmask] writes: >Other than moving the litter box (which was originally placed in a spot >where they liked to poop) over a foot or so, blocking my closet door, do >you have any other suggestions as to how I can get the ferrets to use >the litterbox when outside of the cage? Hi Steve ~ I find you sort of have to weight out expectations. I love my Calvin who came to me very well trained. He was a shelter guy. Then after he came we went through a period of adjustment where he looked for his own places to go. They are with me in a big office-bedroom area. So now they have two litter boxes outside of their cage, and one in their cage. I also place newspapers in his two favorite spots. We go through periods where he makes it to the little box, and times when he doesn't choose to go there. Ergo, I also place newspapers out for him. We change them daily and it's a good compromise. The other thing I have used is a bit of behavior modification but you have to be there for the whole time they are out at play. Every time he uses his litterbox I tell him how marvelous he is lol and he gets a bit of ferretone. What has happened is he has disappeared behind part of the partition blocking visibility to the litterbox, stood there for a minute, and then come out for his treat. Little monkey! I checked, no new poop in the box. So they do get crafty on you. Hope this helps ~ Mary Conley [Posted in FML issue 4554]