Hi all, I think the FML is great. All of us united for one wonderful cause- our love for our fuzzy friends! It was sad to watch what was being posted last week. I wrote a post for the special ECE issue on my thoughts. I have a little problem, Dutch is turning out to be quite the biter, and we have not found an idea that works. We have tried:Bitter Apple,time out, yelling ouch, yelling no,finger in the mouth, knuckling, flicking on the nose, smacking his butt, and finally we bite him back. I did it first I did it lightly he turned around and bite me on the nose, then Mike did it and it did not work either. His main thing is feet, and he bites hard, and keeps coming back. He already weighs 2 1/2 pounds! Any one have any other ideas???? The odd thing is that he is so lovable other wise, he gives kisses & cuddles, but the biting! Tara was NEVER like this. Laura:I use the J feeder from the Ferret Outfitters Catalog, they would throw the food all over too, and we were wasting alot of it, so far it works for us! Someone had posted about the high protien Susctal(I'm sorry I forgot who) I use it for Mitzi, and she loves it, she now weights 2 1/4 pounds she has gained a half a pound in about a month. She had runny stools at first, Cindy Sooy told me to add more water, I use a half a cup of food, and 12 ounces of water with the Susctal and KMR. Fidgety Ferrets: Tara is the same way, its' run! run! run! The only time she stays still is when she is sleeping or I am giving her an ear rub. I still pick her up to cuddle & kiss her it does not last more than a second though! Adopting From a shelter:Ok here we go....just remember folks this is just my thoughts and or opinions on this subject. I think a good screening process is necessary. I have been reading about shelters, it sounds like alot of hard work, and alot of responsibility-that is a big key word here. And it also has it's rewards. After screening a person, and if they adopt out a ferret, they can rest a little easier knowing it went to a caring and responsible home. To ask me questions on caring for ferrets is not a bother, I am proud of all I have learned from the FML & others, and I spread that knowledge when ever I can. I asked questions myself when I spoke to Steve about adopting Mitzi, I wanted to know I was dealing with a responsible shelter. In my opinion, they do ask questions to weed out some, but they are also looking to help you find a ferret that will adapt well to your home. I'll admit it gave me a good feeling to adopt Mitzi, I have given her a good & loving home. I would do it again, and I would go though the questions again, it was worth it. Sometimes we need to go a little out of the way to find a precious gem. Shelters don't seem to me that they are in this to make alot of money, when you think of costs, food vets, shots, cages ect. It's a labor of love. I am a member of Pam Grant's newsletter, the booklet she sent me on caring for ferrets was very informative. It points out the need to ask these questions. How do ferrets end up in shelters??? Sometimes people move away, or are just unable to care for them anymore, but I feel most are turned over that were bought at pet stores and did not take the time & care to take care of the animal properly. I belive it was Pam's spring newsletter that had a survey rundown on shelters, on how many animals were turned in and then adopted out, I think the turnover numbers were mostly in the high 90's too a 100%. Just as you would find a pedigree dog in a shelter, you can find a wonderful ferret friend too. I don't think shelters need to compete, with people like us on the FML & in our clubs spreading the word..most of the ferrets will find good homes, and it is worth the extra time you might need to spend. I'm sorry this is so long, but I feel very strongly on this issue not just with ferrets, but with our other animal friends as well. Michelle [Posted in FML issue 1255]