Dr. Williams: 3 weeks ago, quite by accident, my fiancee and I discovered and shortly thereafter purchased our first ferret. Yesterday, we bought our little kit's brother, who was still unsold and being shipped between different pet stores that are part of a chain here in Ottawa. They get along wonderfully. I'm seeking resolution of an issue that seems to be somewhat contentious: wood chips. Hagen is a major supplier of pet supplies and ferrets (including our two) in Canada, and they encourage ferret owners to use wood chips as bedding and even include wood chips as part of a "ferret starter kit". This seems to contradict the information in every other reputable source I have read, which suggest wood chips cause respiratory problems (and perhaps other problems) in ferrets. Since you are highly respected and seem to be one of the foremost authorities when it comes to ferret health, I would appreciate reading your insights regarding this issue. If wood chips are in fact a hazard to ferrets, I will take steps to encourage Hagen to stop their practice of promoting chips as bedding material. To that end, any research data or other information you can provide on the subject would be appreciated. If you would like to provide a paragraph or two of text I can include in my correspondence, I would be happy to quote you. Thanks for your help! P.S. Our kits sleep, most contentedly, in old sweatshirts and towels. [Posted in FML issue 1070]