Wow, so many replies! I feel really bad responding to everyone all at once, especially considering how much time you all took in writing to me, but if I replied to everyone individually, I'd get fired! :-) Anyway, I *really* appreciate all the encouragement from everyone. I guess Otto is what can happen to a ferret that is not raised with enough love and attention. But you've also helped me realize that if you shower your ferret with love and attention (as we most certainly will), he'll be just fine. So, we once again intend to buy one, but we'll probably wait until we move in a month or two. We're definitely going to play with a few before we pick one, and we're going to find out what breeder they've come from, and how they've been handled. Though as long as they're young, I imagine it won't make too much of a difference... Thanks again for all the time everyone took to write back! Mike & Sandy (my wife - not a ferret...) [Posted in FML issue 0895]