To Shelley regarding "wierd behavior". I have 2 ferrets, one of which is obcessed with a vacuum cleaner. It all started when I was doing some remodeling on our house. Stretch always likes to help, making sure that all screw drivers, pliers and any small tools get put away properly (meaning in His hidding place not the tool box). Stretch is not only a helper but is also an electrician. Since ferrets like tunneling so much I decided to train him to "run" conduit chases. I will put his harness with a lead on it around him and put him in the conduit. I then smear some Lanitone around the end I want him to come out of. Slightly blowing into the conduit causes a "vapor trail" for him to follow and a few minutes later, Viola, out pops a little pink nose. The lead that is attached to "fish tape" ( a term used for a steel cable that is used to pull wires through a conduit) is then removed from his harness and the tape is pulled through thus pulling the wires. Everyone marvels at this and Stretch earns $20 an hour. He gives me the money on the condition that I keep him in good supply of Lanitone. His "Professional" background may have something to do with his obcession with hoses or tubes, or vise versa. Either way when the shop vac fires up Stretch comes running, even from a dead sleep. This also works if you can't seem to find him at present. He immediately dives for the hose, this results in a "Thoomp" followed by high rpm's from the shop vac which is immediadely shut off and the ferret extracted. He has the funniest look on his face when he is pulled out of the hose. The fur on his face is all facing forward instead of the natural direction. When you set him down he starts war dancing and fussing at you and immediately heads straight back to the hose. This probably doesn't seem safe to some but he seems to have so much fun with this (not to mentoin the hilarious up roar that arises from onlookers) that I let him indulge occasionally. For those concerned, I am aware of his obcession and am ready to shut down the minute he enters the hose. This has caused no ill effects other than his eyes seem to buldge out farther than most ferrets ( just kidding ). P.S. Note to Shelters. This "Running Pipe Chases" is a ferrets natural instinct, they love it. For you shelters that are in need of money this may be a good way of allowing the ferrets earn their keep and pay their rent on time. LOL There is little to no training involved. There is a strong demant for this type of work and an some Electrical Contractors will pay well for this novel service. The ferret never leaves your supervision and is forever greatful for the Lanitone ( or whatever other substance makes your ferret's socks roll up & down ). Anyone interested in this (or wanting to give me hell for mistreating animals) may contact me for more information. My name is Mike Rademaker, Email is [log in to unmask] All for now, Mike & the gang, Stretch, Stinklette, Morgan & Thor ( the cat) [Posted in FML issue 4845]