I had that problem once and took care of it. I got a new cage and didnt really use the old one. the water bottle was left in it with food at the bottom. The next time i went to look at the cage their were maggots. Thank god my ferrets were not around that cage! The food I use should not have water mixed in it and set out for more than 2 hours. and that's what happened. Now i make sure to keep a close eye where the water bottle leaks and were the food is. I recently got a J-feader and they dont spill they're food that way. Please make sure you clean up any food on cage floor! And clean clean clean as much as possible. Carrie and fuzzies [Posted in FML issue 1713]