Thanks, Bob, for the very educational and informative response concerning how to "age" a ferret. It leads to another question for me. You noted that ferret husbandry in North America is shortening the life span of our ferrets. Is this due mainly to the processed diets we feed? In your studies of ferrets here versus other nations, what are the major differences in husbandry practices? I think we would all agree we want to do the best we can by our Kids, and have them live as long and happily as possible. Thanks in advance for another educational response. Mary in Virginia Owned by Bianka the White, Fox, Scarlet and Bear (McKid) Segalla [Posted in FML 5878]