To Pam Barber - Pam I would suggest a complete blood count and chemistry panel on Ernie and Grover with special attention paid to the blood glucose. Also, if they can be anesthetized a little with gas, check the mouths for ulcers. WE often see these in ferrets exhibiting the pawing in the mouth behavior. I don't know if it is the cause or the result, but you may find some there, which would interfere with eating. -- Bruce Williams, DVM, DACVP Department of Veterinary Pathology [log in to unmask] Armed Forces Institute of Pathology [log in to unmask] Washington, D.C. 20306-6000 (202) 782-2600/2602 [Posted in FML issue 1201]