First, I'd like to drag this age debate out even further...and I'm in a position to know. I just turned sixteen (applause!) and I've had too many pets (or, rather, companions) to count. Would you like me to list? 1 snake 2 hamsters 1 mouse 2 rabbits 4 rats dozens of fish 4 newts (raised from the "tadpole" stage) 2 dogs and of course, 2 ferrets! And I've wanted ferrets since I was 11, so I've researched them for about 5 years. I'm known as "the Ferret Lady" in several of my classes! And I think Chloe and Velvet will tell you that I'm perfectly capable of taking care of them. So I personally believe that maturity is more of a factor than age. Hmm...2c? That was more like $4! Oh, well. On a lighter (and more ferret-related) note, with their new winter coats, it's become nearly impossible to tell my darlings apart. I just know their behavioral differences. Like Chloe digs at the door, and Velvet tries to shred my arms with her claws. So I took the fert that was digging at the door and gave her tail a new do! I cut off the end hairs (whatever you call them) so that her tail now has a flat end. My father says I've mutilated her (wrong end, tho), my sister says I've disfugured her, my friend says I ruined her, and my mother just sighed. I thinkit's great! And Chloe couldn't care less. Bye now! Hope I didn't exasperate anyone! Luvs, Liz 'n Chloe 'n Velvet [Posted in FML issue 1752]