Kelleen: I use a 22 or 23 gauge needle. It's not the size of the needle, but the expertise of the person giving the shot that makes it hurt or not hurt. I'm not sure that you want to be doing this yourself. If your ferret has a reaction, how would you treat it? Would you be able to get to the vet's in time? Do you have the proper medications on hand if on e of your pets has a severe reaction and stops breathing? I'm afraid I'm no fan of lay people giving their own shots. Talk with your vet - perhaps if you purchase the vaccines (use Fervac-D from United Vaccines), then he may give you a break on vaccinating them for you. Best regards, Bruce Williams, DVM, DACVP Dept. of Vet Path, AFIP [log in to unmask] OR Chief Pathologist, AccuPath [log in to unmask] [Posted in FML issue 1325]