Hi all. This is Rocket's mamma here. Hope you are all happy and healthy out there. I have a couple questions and responses. Here goes: Ferret affection: Rocket is a lover boy, loves to be held, when we let him out in the morning he tries to climb up my leg. (okay, that may be to get the raisin Im holding :) ) I think the one thing we did to encourage his snuggling was to pick him up when he was sleeping and put him on our lap. He would lie there and get an ear rubbing, belly scratching, maybe a little treat and just sleep. I think he began to associate being held with comfort, relaxation, and yummy treats. If he is real excited, of course, he wants down and he wants us to chase him but when he gets sleepy or if he is just feeling mellow, he likes to be held and stroked. Of course, it helps that he is a very mellow ferret to begin with! 8 in 1: I try and give Rocket a variety of high quality foods so that he doesnt get fixated on one and not eat anything else. I, of course, add in new foods gradually and he usually will eat them with no problem. 8 in 1 took a little ( alot ) of encouragement. I tried hand feeding it to him, sprinkling it with garlic and brewers yeast (his favorite flavoring!) and finally had to coat it in ferretone before he would try it. I am up to about 1/2 and 1/2 8 in 1 and Iams kitten and he seems to be eating it okay but not with the enthusiasm he ate the Science Diet with. Any of you have trouble with 8 in 1? It is the kind coated with raisin juice. Did anyone ever decide if this is too high in sugar for ferrets? I think I may go back to the Science diet after this is done. Also, am I doing the right thing in giving him a variety of foods slowly or is it best to keep him on one food only? What is a ferret? Okay..._I_ know what a ferret is but what do you all tell people who DONT know? If I try and tell them the truth...That they are a member of the weasle family I get this EWWWW, YUCK response. If I tell them they are alot like kittens only longer and skinnier I get the Ohhh, how cute response. Hmmm, so, how do you all answer "Whats a ferret?" Sorry so long. By the way, Rocket is all better from his little penis injury, only took a couple of days and no intervention on my part. See, I worry to much, but Im the mamma...I am made to worry! Diane and Alex and Rocket (I dont care what mom says, this stuff doesnt taste like raisins!!) [Posted in FML issue 1343]