While this doesn't solve problems of food digging, I did come up with a way to make my kids clean up after themselves. They don't like to eat directly out of the dish - instead, they grab about 5 chunks of food (I can't figure out how Pris gets that much into her mouth - she's a petite thing), carry them off to a corner, and munch. They have food stashed, plus all around the bowl. Now when things get messy, food all over, I let the food bowl go empty. I watch as they sneak off to their hiding places to gather up and eat all of the food they've stashed away. When they've finished that off, usually only 1 or 2 meals worth, I refill the bowl. I have a question about hyper ferrets. My kids are 4 months old, and won't sit still for a second, even for petting. I've gotten Sebastian to calm down for a few minutes (once), but Pris is just nuts. My guess is that they're just young and playful. I did find instant ferret intertainment. They love to play under a throw rug. Lift that up quickly, and instant Weasel War Dance, keep doing it, and viola - two psycho ferrets. Thanks to Melissa for the idea on ping-pong ball fun. I know mine will love it. I'll write back with the results. Frank (and Sebastian and Pris) [Posted in FML issue 1727]