You have just mentioned the #1 reason investigators lie to ude ferrets in behavioral research - they learn fast. Now, let me mention the DANGER. Shakespeare KNOWS this cage better than you. Shakespeare is more DETERMINED than you. Shakespeare will continue to go BACK to the same spot even if YOU think it has been "ferret-proofed." (See Bob C's earlier post about HIS knew ferret. Therein lies the danger. Shakespeare will keep on doing what he has always done - go back to that spot. Even if YOU think it is now fixed and ferret-proof, he will keep trying what has worked before. (Did I say that TWICE? Yup!) Now that it is smaller, he will not be as successful as fast, and he may try to pull his head back in. This will fail because the shape of the skull will cause it to go only one way. He will either break his neck by pulling too hard OR hang himself and suffocate. The trauma of struggle could cause his throat to swell, shutting off his air supply. I personally know of people who have had this happen. Infact, it is the reason why I, when faced with a ferret like Shakespeare, decided to leave that cage door open when I was not home and ferret-proofed a bedroom just for them to have free roam. It is Christmas - you do not want to end up feeling guilty about losing a ferret who did not have to die. I beg you to get a new cage for Shakespeare or allow him freeroam of a SAFE, ferret proof room. Merry Christmas! Oh, and enjoy Shakespeare. Like Bob said, there is a side of me that jjust LOVES seeing them outsmart me - even if I find my stuff decorated with ferret poop! (It helps me prioritize - "time to throw THAT away!"). -- renee :) It's amazing how much can be accomplished if nobody cares who gets the credit! Ferret Emergency Response, Rescue & Evacuation Team (F.E.R.R.E.T.) http://www.ferretemergency.org [log in to unmask] International Ferret Congress http://www.ferretcongress.org American Red Cross http://www.redcross.org [Posted in FML 5465]