Hi Folks, My name is Alan Braunstein and I've been reading the FML for about one week now. I am a ferret owner (actually two ferrets, Mercury & Achilles) for over two years and have seen a lot of the same questions as usually covered in the newsletters of the American Ferret Association (AFA). I think this FML is fantastic and have been searching for this type of interactiveness with regards to ferrets. I take my hat off to those who keep the interaction alive and well. I especially take my hat off to Bill Gruber who is doing a fantastic job at moderating this mailer. I know the pains of just maintaining an E-Mail exploder (mailing list) WITHOUT having to moderate what is said and compiling all of it into a neat format. GREAT JOB!! Meanwhile, I would like to share another source of valuable information with all of the ferret enthusiasts. In fact, maybe Bill will consider posting this info in the header of the FML along with the standard info that is always there (the three FML E-Mail addresses). This source of info is the American Ferret Association Newsletter and is available to all that join (at least in the USA). If you are interested in joining the AFA, individual memberships are $25.00 per year. There is also a business rate and, I believe, a family rate. Please write to: The American Ferret Association P.O. Box 3986 Frederick, Maryland 21705 or call: (301) 898-3228 The newsletter comes out about every two months and is full of info all about ferrets. News from legal matters all over the country to good and bad vaccines. You'll also find classified ads, ferret rescues (adoption centers), food ads (like "Totally Ferret"), and upcoming ferret events. If you need further info, you can also contact me at: Alan Braunstein The Johns Hopkins University/ Applied Physics Laboratory Daytime Phone: (410) 792-6000 or (301) 953-6000 extension: 3981 Evening/Weekend Phone: (410) 356-5865 email: [log in to unmask] Lastly, I've noticed many questions regarding the nipping/biting problems and how to control the problem. If you have more than one ferret you will see how rough they are with each other. They're tough little creatures. With that in mind, if/when they nip/bite flick them right in the nose, straight on, like flicking a bug off of your arm. You're not going to drive their nose into their head but you are going to wake their little ass up and make them very aware that nipping/biting is unacceptable. In Maryland, if a ferret bite is reported, the authorities have the legal right to confiscate the animal and destroy it. Keeping in mind that there are those individuals who will make a mountain out of a molehill (and a gaping flesh wound out of a minor nip) cover your ass and your ferret's life by training the animal NOT TO BITE. Assume nothing! Well, I hope this wasn't overbearing. Be healthy, happy, safe and prosperous this New Year and stay involved. CIAO, Al [Posted in FML issue 1058]