To Judith with regards to Buddy's new practice of mounting. You mentione that Buddy at age 2 is altered. If he is taking up the mating ritual indiscriminantly it would not be too far fetched to consider that he has an adrenal gland which is sending some mixed signals. In essence watch him and consider that perhaps he nwill need an adrenal procedure. The next things to watch out for are hair loss and / or urinary tract infections. Sorry to sound so dismal-- but an open eye sometimes alleviates a "surprise attack" when it comes to ferret health. Hoping Buddy will outgrow his male tendencies real soon! Fondly in ferrets Alicia a shelter mom [Posted in FML issue 1997]