Here is how I learned the ferret truism that if you can't stop them from doing some undesireable activity- at least make it safe! In our ferrets' room there is an old entertainment center with several low shelves that are easily accessible by our mountain climbing furries. (Whoever said that they were supposed to be afraid of heights?) On one shelf I had a portable stereo that I thought was out of reach. Pickle proved that I was wrong and the trial began with trying to disuade him from climbing behind the stereo. This was especially important because he would often get his claws caught in the metal speaker mesh. One day I just let him climb in there and left him alone while I worked on the computer. All of a sudden I heard this awful screaming and looked to see Kit Kat trying to get behind the stereo. At first I figured that Pickle was fighting especially rough to protect his spot but I soon discovered that she had a claw stuck. I felt so bad and immediatley moved the stereo to a higher shelf. Now the furries have a new little cave to play in. Even Twinkie can now climb up there. They are happy and I am happy knowing that I don't have to keep stopping to save the ferrets from their own curiosity. Re: Dryer Hose After a proper airing out. (It was a new hose and smelled strongly of plastic-BAD!) I gave the ferrets their new toy. They love it. Never has anything held their attention for more then a few minutes but they played follow the leader and train wreck for over 15 minutes! Now when play time comes it is the first place they all run to. It even inspired the dance of joy from Pickle who is usually so laid back that nothing fazes him. Ferrets are so much fun! Heather Durham, NC [log in to unmask] [Posted in FML issue 1098]