Hi all, A couple of days ago by best friend and co-ferret-owner, went into a pet store only to see a 9 month old male ferret ($180) in cedar shavings in a octagonal aquarium. He wasn't litter trained either. It upset her and she told me about it. So, last night I decided to go in and talk to them. The manager wasn't there so, I talked to a clerk (who just nodded and said uh-huh). We went back to see him and to our amazement, he had a thin latex toy with four quarter sized holes in it. I freaked!! I went and got another clerk and told her the dangers and she took it out and said "sometimes we do stupid things". She then told us they had a 10 week old little girl. We looked at her and were amazed once again. She fit in the palm of my hand. She must have been younger that 10 weeks. She had a latex toy too and this was also taken out. We then asked to see the 9 month old. She said "ok, but he is mean". My friend (Tracey) picked him up. He just sat there. He went to nip her and the clerk said "ok, if you bite you go back." We then left. Today I called the manager and was surprised to hear a concerned voice on the other end. She is the only one who ever picks the big boy, all the other employees are afraid of him. It has taken her 5 weeks of solid interaction to get him used to being handled. She told me that all of their animals are in pine not cedar shavings, so that is ok. I told her the disadvantages. She said that the owner will not change anything. I offered to bring in some info for him and she said "go ahead, but honestly, you are wasting your time". She also said that if I wanted the big boy, to make an offer. I don't know what to offer for a 9 month old who has never been handled. I'm worried about him but can't afford much. If anyone knows where I can get info on cedar and pine or intestinal blockage, could you please tell me. Thanx in advance. Krista & Tracey Rascal & Digger [Posted in FML issue 1406]