Alicia wrote: >"all these ferrets from the same supplier are either evidencing symptoms of >adrenal disease or have had to have surgery for the same?" <snip) Hi Alicia, My new ferret, Barney has the same tatoos you mentioned and one vet told me it indicated he was neutered and descented (I would never have had him descented, I personally think it is cruel and doesn't make a bit of difference - my other male was never descented and the smell is very much the same). Anyway, I thank you for your post because it has helped me to know where Barney came from and what I can do now to possibly prevent ailments in the future. I too maintain a healthy environment for Barney, he drinks purified water and eats very healthy food, I would never consider feeding him sweets (one woman lets her ferret drink coke from the can and I had an hour long discussion with her about the ferret's health and teeth - people just amaze me) or anything with preservatives. I believe the early neutering and has a lot to do with why they are having to suffer. My last two ferrets lived for nine and twelve years - that was three years ago, today, as I understand it, the life span has decreased significantly. I was really surpised to hear this, as I assumed it would have increased. I imagine most most ferret breeders are similar to puppy mills. Too bad we have to treat our fellow creatures with such disregard for their lives. Many prayers for your little ones, diana, owner of Barn [Posted in FML issue 1759]