Distemper in SC: I have to limit what I say out of a right of privacy owed the ferret owners. Ther ferrets striken were innoculated with Fervac-D at 8, 10 and 12 weeks. This is not the schedule as defined by United who makes Fervac-D. It is not known (by me anyway) whether it was an exposure or vaccine induced problem. If vaccine induced the question of why only here comes forth. If exposure again why no other reported cases. Hopefully work being done might answer the questions. We personally continue to use Fervac-D only becauser this is the ONLY approved distemper vaccine for ferrets. If Solvay were to obtain approval we would definitely consider it but not until then. We know others who have chosen the same course as us. We likewise know those who have chosen to not use Fervac out of a fear of reactions. Sorry I can not make a 'completely safe' recommendation even with the input of the many vets I have talked to about this issue. Ellie's ferret's color: I'm sorry I am not getting a complete enough picture to give a guess. Is the color more like a milk chocolate bar or more like chicken or turkey gravy? A chocolate is the color of milk chocolate. A Champagne is the color of poultry gravy. A sable is the color of black coffee. A cinnamon is the color of cinnamon sugar. (well these ar easonable approximations anyway) A pattern with much darker legs and tail is called a point. With slightly darker points is called a standard and a even color on body and points is called a solid or self. A Siamese is a fine point with a V shaped mask and a zipper on the belly. Celebreties with ferrets: Not sure how much help it would be but those I've heard of having ferrets include David Carradine (Kung Fu), James Doohan (Scotty) and Michael Jackson (the singer). Lori asked about supplementing diets: Meat supplements for ferret diets are not necessary if you use a good food (such as Iam's Kitten) We choose do add supplements but others choose not to. Balanced supplements are necessary if used as much of the diet. Also remember not needed is not the same as not good. Some benefits of enriching the diet seem to be stronger bones and better muscle tone. bill and diane killian zen and the art of ferrets [Posted in FML issue 1410]