We finally got our patio enclosure supervision ferret proofed last night. As I anxiously awaited the ferrets, they dawdled on the steps, when they got to the landing instead of coming outside they continued down to the basement wall (actually a door but we tell them it is a wall)! I was squirming in my seat in anticipation and they did this to me! Finally after some time the first few slowly and cautiously wandered out the door. They checked every side for any forgotten ferret size holes and were quite disappointed at not finding any, then climbed each side to see if there were any up there. It didn't matter that they were in a 15x12 ft enclosure - 12x12 concrete & 12x3 grass - with screen to keep bugs out and wire to keep ferrets in (wire over grass area attached to outside of panels), they wanted more! Honey was the funniest. This was the first time for steps for everyone too and as she would lean real far out over each step and start to go down her back legs were scrambling to get a hold (impossible on concrete steps). When she finally made it out the door (probably the only ferret NOT to go down to the basement) every hair on her tail stood straight out! Binky curled right up in the grass and went to sleep, only to budge when someone would climb over him (well he was in the middle). The rock slab was an interesting place to explore for some (hmmm.. may want to put more concrete in the cracks there), and others climbed the picnic table (don't know they got up there). Not everyone came out since it was so late they were already in bed. I'm anxious to get home tonight so we can spend the evening outside (after I feed but chores will have to wait)! Carmel who is 90% blind (his eye slits aren't wide enough to open but one has a very slight opening) found a tennis ball on the ledge (he loves tennis balls) before Nancy brought him out and after he made his once around he went back in by himself, found the ball and took it to his room! He remembered where it was and HE figured out how to get it. These little critters are so smart! Hugs to all! tle [Posted in FML issue 1292]