Hey John (aka Dr. Zeus) I've found with Rocky that when he comes in my room to play from his cage he's wired for sound for about an hour and a half. Then he'll crash in a pile of clothes and nap. I can go and pick him up at this point and put him on my bed and pet him -- he'll stay for quite a long time. I can hold him when he's very awake but he will not want much affection as he'd rather get right back down and continue playing. Hope this helps... Megan P.S. Chere McCoy gets my vote for cutest ferret nicknames. And that song! ;) P.S. S. Rocky's only nickname is "little man" (yawn,I know....) [Posted in FML issue 1384]