Two questions for the cognoscienti: 1) We recently started fostering two older ferrets (appx. 5 years). Both came from the same poor environment. One, a black-eyed white, has coarse fur and dry, itchy skin. No fleas, mites, etc. present. What's a good, safe way of improving his skin and coat quality? Diet consists of Iams Kitten Food and one or two Cheerios a day for treats. I'm afraid that too much shampooing in the past might have contributed to the problem, but I've seen no change in fur or skin quality in the three weeks he's been living with us, and he's had no bath during that period. 2) Our long-time ferret Malachai recently recovered from a two-week bout with diarrhea. Various antibiotics, etc. finally did the trick (If it was the green poop, Dr. Williams, it was very nonstandard). Unfortunately, although he ate and drank well throughout, he lost a little more than a pound through the experience. To encourage him to take his meds, and to eat well, we sometimes add a drop of honey to the crushed pill or the food dish, which ensures that he'll take it all. Is a VERY small amount of honey, with all its natural sugars, good/harmful for ferrets? Bob [Posted in FML issue 1258]