Greetings Everybody, I have been reading the list for awhile now and it is about time for me to join in. I would like to thank Chris for maintaining this list and everyone who participates. * Regarding allergies, Envirocare makes 4 or 5 models of air filters. I have one and now both my girlfriend and I can breath much better. I always wash my hands after handling the ferret though. The filter removes all air born particle down to 3 microns. It is basically a fan with a HEPA filter. These filters can be found in just about every department store recently (Just in time for XMAS). *Regarding ferets and birds...I have a friend who had a ferret with an aggressive personality. Well, the ferret got out of the room (Squeezed under the door!!) and climbed on the bird cage, OPENED the cage and no more bird!!! I doubt my ferret would bother with the bird. Every ferret is different. ** I now have a few questions for Dr. Williams regarding ** The Adrenal Disease In The Ferret Dr. Williams, After reading the ferret list for ~100 issues and your article posted in issue #648, I am concerned that my ferret has an adrenal gland problem. The following symptoms have appeared recently (~ 1 month): Hair loss (light-not severe) at the end of the tail; Apparent dexterity trouble occasionally in the rear end( This is on a hard wood floor); A bit of scratching (I am convinced that it isnot fleas); and a most peculiar very seldome occasional behavior pattern of standing still, and then slowly falling over. My ferret is approximately 6 years and 2 months old. He is still very active, but not quite as much as I remember him being a couple of years ago. I am not positive he has an adrenal gland problem. How do I confirm whether or not he has an adrenal gland problem? Is heto old for surgery? What is the life expectancy of a healthy ferret (any statistics)? Thanks in advance for your response! * Well, so as not to make too long a post...I will sign off for now... Next post, I share some amusing ferret events! -=>Art Grondine & Guy Ferret (Alias Mr. Ferret) [Posted in FML issue 0653]