RE: Cage clips I'm not really sure how the clips, you spoke of, are intended to work, but I had a problem with my guys moving the litter pan around too much. I drilled a hole in the corner of the litter pan and put one end of an "S" hook through the hole and crimped that end closed. I then hook the open end over one of the wires in the corner of the cage so the pan cannot be moved. My guys would move the pan and let loose in the corner it used to occupy. RE: Educating the Authorities WAY TO GO, MIKE!!!!!!!!! Maybe some of the open-mindedness of the folks you've dealt with will someday rub off onto authorities in other areas of the world. RE: Statistics of Past Tests vs. Shedding Study (Issue 1147) I agree with you that statistics of previous results from rabies testing in ferrets around the country may open a few eyes/ears/minds regarding rabies in ferrets. However, I must say that I think folks should try and help fund the shedding study. After speaking with officials in my state (Maryland), the shedding study will hold more water, if any, in comparison to "playing the odds", which is what they'd be doing if they base their decision solely on previous testing results. I think the key to a "correct" resolution may result from a combination of an "official" scientific shedding study backed up with the prior history data. RE: CatWorks Litter I, too, have begun to use CatWorks as of about a month ago. Since this litter is much more natural and pleasant smelling than clay litter, my guys played in it far too long before they finally realized it was where they were to go potty. Just a tip; You might consider placing some ferret feces in the new litter so they know the intent of the new material. Otherwise, your ferrets may choose your carpet over the CatWorks, initially. --- Al Braunstein The Johns Hopkins University/ (410) 792-6000 Applied Physics Laboratory (301) 953-6000 Johns Hopkins Road extension: 3981 Mail Stop 13-s313 email: [log in to unmask] Laurel, Maryland 20723-6099 The above comments are mine and mine alone and may not necessarily (but probably do) represent the opinion(s) of any other group or individual. ----------------------------- Date: Wed, 29 Mar 1995 06:52:46 -0500 From: Pat Ball <[log in to unmask]> Subject: Bathing Ferrets Hi, Daphne, You may be bathing your ferrets too much. They should only be bathed maybe once a month, otherwise, you may be washing the natural oils out of their skin which will dry it out and cause them to itch. Also, make sure that you are rinsing out all the shampoo. Another thing to keep in mind, is that ferrets enjoy scratching and they are also naturally clean animals. Much like cats will do, I think they like preening themselves. With regard to the biting, you will have to discipline Pepper when she bites. Flick her nose so that she knows you are not happy with what she is doing whenever she bites somebody. Probably, one of the most important things to do though, is keep her away from other people. I heard two instances, just over the past two-three months, where people have had their ferrets taken and killed in order to test for rabies because the ferrets bit somebody. Two times is two times too many in my book and I would choose to protect my ferrets at all costs. Just don't let other people handle her at all. Good luck to you and yours. I hope that I've been helpful to you. Pat and the gang. Lucci & family, XCaret & family, Mystic Apache & family, Princess, Jeri, Navajo Jo a/k/a JoJo, Gretal, Cherokee, and our three toddler ferrets. [Posted in FML issue 1149]