>I never knew ferrets barked! I surprised Buttons today when I caught her >going through the trash and she barked at me and ran behind the couch. That bark tells you that you scared the bejesus out of the little one. Is your carpetshark new to the household? The first day Bear (so named because he squalls like a baby bear when not happy) came to our home, he was exploring the entryway when I came around the corner suddenly. He barked (LOUD!) and jumped back a good 3 feet (pretty good distance for an 8 week old), then ran under the sofa. It took a good hour of cuddling and soothing talk before he stopped shivering, poor guy. Guess he figured I was gonna eat him. So jumping out and saying boo to your ferts is out of the repitiore; too hard on everyones psyche. Besides, it's more fun to caw like a crow and watch 'em scrabble under the furniture. David "Cruel Ferret Father" Minette Bear "Daddy's picking on uuuuussssssss!!!!" Feasty "That's ok. We'll sneak into his bed at 3 am and nibble his toes!!!" [Posted in FML issue 1551]