Hi, (BIG - I think it is completely OBVIOUS that I DO read the FML faithfully!!!!!!!) I have never read a big debate over bathing since I joined this list so forgive me if you think I'm ignorant or something! [Moderator's note: I don't usually editorialize all *that* much, I think, but I sorta started this, so I'll see it out. Kelleen, please accept my apologies if I ruffled your feathers by my comments. I was trying to tell the new subscribers who may not be familiar with bathing protocols that opinions on bathing differ greatly - the books I read, plus my personal observations and opinions may not agree with yours - and 2-4 weeks seemed a little excessive to me. Since I already jumped into this, I'll give my opinion: I believe bathing ferrets should be done "as needed", with "as needed" bordering on very very seldom. Ferrets are usually bathed for specific reasons, for instance because they fell asleep in a bowl of tapioca pudding :-) Many people feel it's not necessary to bathe a fuzzie just for the sake of it, myself falling into that category... I've gone months and months without giving my fuzzies a bath and I don't believe they, or the odor, are worse for it. In fact, I find they smell worse for days after bathing! So why not bathe anyhow? Well, it may dry out their skin and put undue stress on them. If it's for a reason, fine, but if not... don't! Odor control is much better handled by changing their bedding, IMHO. BIG] Lastly why would you be in favor of not bathing regularly when all the books reccommend every 4 to 6 weeks or so. By the way my original comment should have been 4 to 6 not 2 to 4 weeks..... Made an honest typing error there!!!! So everyone let me know why it would be favored to not bath regularly please! Thanks...... Kelleen and the INSANE Animal House!!!!! F.A.N.G. - Ferret Association of Neverending Glee! (President & Founder) [Posted in FML issue 1346]