Hi there! We have three ferrets, all from different origin, and they each adjusted to their new home and people differently. The one that adapted quickest was the baby we bought from a pet store. She quickly acted as if she felt safe in her new home and began to like being cuddled and played with, but only cuddled after she had exhausted herself-- it was all that kit energy! She is the big cuddler out of the bunch now, often coming and asked to be snuggled even though we pick her up frequently without being asked! Next was a 1 1/2 year old boy from a shelter. He'd been there ten days, and his previous owners were two boys who got bored with him and left him caged all the time. Their mother decided the ferret deserved better and took him to the shelter. He also didn't take long to take to the new home, but his behavior with us seemed a little strange. He had obvious interest in us, coming and standing at our feet and watching us, scratching softly at our legs or standing up against them, and following us everywhere, but he DID NOT like to be picked up or petted at all. Several months later, it's still almost always cuddles and play only when he decides it's time, but he does seem to like the occasional cuddle and will come get in bed with us and curl up against our legs all on his own. The last one to join our home is just almost 2 years old. We rescued her from a terrible home where she was constantly caged in a rusted out cage set in a cardboard box and filled with kitty litter. No bedding, no food, no water, no toys. She was supposedly allowed out once or twice a day when she could eat or drink from the cats dishes. If we had weighed the fleas we got off of her, they probably could have given her a run for the money in weight. Her fur and skin were just awful. The man who had her said, "I like dogs and cats, but ferrets just don't do anything for me." Despite this, she had a lively personality and was very curious about her new surroundings. She wasn't very interested in us at all, but then look at all she had to explore! And to be out of the cage without needing to spend the whole time staving off starvation! She would allow us to pick her up, but promptly wiggled down. We've had her 2 1/2 months now, and she comes to us for company, though she's still not ever a cuddler. She does have her tokens of affection though, giving kisses and especially ear-washings. She also will sometimes decide to come sleep with us, but not as often as the others, and just about never if she is invited. All this is to say hang in there! Continue to pick them up and handle them, try to interest them in playing with you with a towel or toy or just running around the room, and offer the occasional treat, especially when they've done something good or agree to be held for a few minutes. If you pick them up and they try to get down, don't let them down right away. Talk to them soothingly and try to find a moment of calm to set them down in so they learn that struggling and scratching isn't the way down. Try picking them up when they're asleep and just cuddling them or very softly stroking them. Our little rescue girl sleeps VERY lightly and so the last idea doesn't work with her, but it was terrific for the boy. Good luck, and just give them a few weeks of attention, and you'll likely see more of their real personalities! Debra People: Raisin dispensers. [Posted in FML issue 0672]