I've found that most ferrets have a difficult time getting enough water from a bottle to stay hydrated. I know I myself, as well as many others, prefer dishes. I use a lock-on crock, they are about $5 at most pet stores. If they are not in the ferret section, try the bird section. You can adjust the height of the dish to prevent your fuzzy from snorkeling in it. They also swivel and pop off the base for easy refilling and cleaning. I have two of them in my big Ferret Nation cage, and none of my fuzz will drink from a bottle anymore. They drink less and are more hydrated. They look like this: <http://www.ferret.com/item/marshall-lock-on-food-crock-for-ferrets/650226/> Cheers! [Posted in FML 7101]