My seven-week-old and I are settling in a bit now, but we're still having some getting-to-know-you misunderstandings. He's my first ferret, and my first young pet in 14 years, so there are a few things I would appreciate comments on: First, although I'm meeting with some success in training him not to nip with the flick-in-the-nose-and-shout-NO! method, I've also sprayed Bitter Apple on my hands once as a deterrent. One bite convinced him that he didn't want to try it again. I wouldn't mind him licking my hands and gently mouthing my fingers except that it usually leads to a playful but painful (for me) nip. Will this help, or will he just go back to nipping if I don't use Bitter Apple when I pick him up? Also: I've only had him for three days, but he seems very indifferent to my presence. I haven't had a young pet for years, as I stated above, and never a ferret, so I just wondered if this is par for the course. Third and last: He's been 100% so far with the litterbox, even when it necessitated climbing back into the cage. Is this normal, or do I have a very responsible kit? Of course, the bright side of all my confusion is that I now know where my socks are: they're behind the desk, of course :-) Thanks, Chris and the unnamed-as-yet baby carpet shark Bellingham, WA [Posted in FML issue 0760]