Stacy, Sorry you live in such an unenlightened state. However, get the rabies shot anyhow and put the rabies tag on the harness/collar so it is easy for all to se for a very simple reason. The gestapo will only put a ferret down for rabies testing if the bite is REPORTED. Chances are, if the ferret bites (and draws blood) the bitee may not report it if they see the rabies tag and realize that your critter is protected. On the food front, I believe that Dr. Susan Brown of Chicagoland recommends Iams kitten food until 3 years of age and then switch to Iams Cat. Or, see if you can get "totally Ferret" (call 1-800-843-1738 to see if carried locally), my kids love it. Joe and the Horde: Foxy Lady, Cool Breeze, Frettchen, Rowdy Mutant, Snow White [Posted in FML issue 1104]