*sorry if this is a re-send -- we've been having mailer problems, and every- thing's getting bounced* I am new to the FML, and a new ferret owner as well. I was hoping other FML readers could help me with the problem of tubby ferrets, and clear up some questions i have about ferret diabetes and any links to overweightness.... My ferrets, both approx. 6 months old (Ehrlenmeier is a silver-mitt male; Beaker is a beautiful sable female), were started out on Iames kitten food (the purple bag), and on the advice of my vet, were switched to Science Diet maintenence because Ehrl was getting fat. Beaker seems to have less of an appetite, so I tried feeding them separately so that Ehrl couldn't hog all the food. First problem: Beaker will only eat when Ehrl is in the cage with her, and if food is in the cage with Ehrl, he will eat it. And he does. Second problem: I'm not sure how much food they should be getting. When they were still growing, the vet said to feed them as much as they would eat. But they're not getting any larger -- only wider -- and I get the feeling that they shouldn't have food around all day. Any suggestions on proper food amounts would be greatly appreciated. The vet also mentioned that fat ferrets are in danger of developing diabetes. What is the link there? And how would I know if they became diabetic? The last FML had an article mentioning the amount of water a ferret drank, but Beaker & Ehrl live together, I have no way of knowing who's drinking how much, or even how much they _should_ be drinking. Another, unrelated question: I'd like to take the ferrets with me on short day trips (I enjoy walks in the woods, along rivers, etc; and think they would, too) but I'm not sure what to do about their habit of doing their business whenever (and sometimes wherever) they please. I've heard of people carrying their fuzzies around in backpacks -- is there a way of keeping them from soiling them? Thanks in advance. [Posted in FML issue 0775]