HI!! I am also a "newbie" to this list, I've only been on a couple days. I just read Matt Gordon's message and have EXACTLY the same questions he does, I don't have a ferret yet but am seriously thinking of getting one. I am looking forward to reading future answers to his (our?) questions, especially the one regarding ferret proneness to illnesses (serious and otherwise). I agree with him, it sounds like they are always getting sick...that scares me!!! I guess that is all for now...I'll go back to sitting back and observing for a while...Happy Holidays all!! [Posted in FML issue 1049]