In relation to forced feeding, remember what multiple vets have written: IT IS BEST AVOIDED EXCEPT WHEN THERE IS NO CHOICE. Go with finger feeding instead, or providing food with a in-front-of- face drip method with things like the "Dr. Clown Spoon Dropper" with the accordion pleat top which provides excellent control so there will not be a "spulsh". When too much food is released too suddenly the risk of aspiration pneumonia is too high. That happens from food being accidently inhaled, and it is a very dangerous illness for a ferret to cope with, and, yes, it can be fatal. Sometimes there is no choice, and then people should ask to have a vet tech or a vet teach them the proper technique hands on. When forced feeding goes wrong it can be a death sentence. The items you describe don't sound like they allow a really gradual introduction of food. Also, since they are not made for food to start with how will you be able to get them clean enough to even try? Have to consider those questions, too. -- Sukie (not a vet) Ferret Health List co-moderator http://www.smartgroups.com/groups/ferrethealth FHL Archives fan http://ferrethealth.org/archive/ replacing http://fhl.sonic-weasel.org International Ferret Congress advisor http://www.ferretcongress.org [Posted in FML issue 5125]