On training ferrets not to nip. I tend to be rather more mellow with the guys. Bitter Apple on your hands and feet doesn't hurt the ferret. In fact they associate the nip with the bad taste. Bitter Apple on a Q Tip forced in the ferrets mouth, on the other hand, forms an association with being picked up by you and "bad things". Same with nose flicking. We've had very good luck with CONSISTANCY and the scruff and shake method of training, always followed by lots of petting and scritching. Immediately after a nip, scruff the ferret by the back of the neck and rest their body against your forearm, then shake the ferret firmly (not so as to cause whip lash, but like a moma ferret might do) and yell at them "NO!" and continue with the scolding in a loud voice. Then the calm, loving voice and stroking. Let them know immediately that what they did was wrong, bu that you love them. I would do nothing that they would associate "bad things" with being held or picked up. Declawing: My personal opinion. Don't do it. Their claws are like fingers; used to grip and hold. They are not retractable. They are used for walking. It would be like a person having their fingers and toes cut off. Clear carpet runners tacked to the floors through the doorways (as someone elsee suggested) works to keep them from digging. Vaccinations: If you've given the yearly distemper shots several times, your ferret is protected. Keep it up every year. If the ferret has never had a distemper shot, a series of two, spaced 3-4 weeks apart is usually recommended. Dick B. [Posted in FML issue 1345]