Hi, everybody! Just a few quick notes about some recent subjects: FERRETS AND OTHER GOMERS My sympathy goes out to Bethie who lost her beloved Juan, a parakeet. I was glad to see that you understand that your ferret isn't a murderer, just a little misguided. To be honest, if you had another ferret, they would have only found the cage sooner. Those little rascals are so much quicker when they have a partner in crime! ; ) Honestly, though, many ferrets are happier if they have a buddy. You might give some thought to adding another ferret to your family. As for your bird-buddy, I would recommend that you consider hanging the cage from the ceiling or placing it on a tall stand _well_ out of reach. Likewise for folks with rabbits or other small animals. I have heard quite a few tales of ferrets "snacking" on small animals especially rodents and birds. I'm sure there are many exceptions (I know Paleface is too mellow to give a mouse a second thought), but why tempt fate? : ) I would recommend that ferrets and the littler guys be kept far apart. FERRET WHIFF (aka Oooh, That Smell...) I'm sure the debate goes on, but I am a firm believer that ferrets do not need to be bathed (unless they get into something really rank). I too bathed Paleface once upon a time. He hated it; I hated it; he didn't smell any better for being bathed. Ergo, I haven't bathed him for ages. His skin seems healthy, and, honestly, he doesn't smell strongly at all (and I'm a clean-freak). Carrie, the best advice I can offer to keep the odor down is to change the bedding _frequently_. Also, keep the litter-box clean. Those two sources seem to be the origin of the worst odors. Good luck! And, if worse comes to worse, ditch the roommate! ; ) Oh, one last suggestion... Glade plug-in Neutral room deodorizers do wonders if all else fails (and you don't mind a vaguely pineapple smell). See y'all! Gina and Paleface (I'm offended at the very suggestion...) [Posted in FML issue 1443]