I have two ferrets that are as different as night and day. My female LIVES to go outside and dig out chipmunk/ground squirrel holes, trail rabbit trails etc. etc. I don't think she'd ever catch enough to live on, especially in winter but I think she'd last longer than my male. I've seen her eat a worm and a spider I had just killed. She has chased both squirels and rabbits in my yard (never got close to catching them though). She did find a nest of babies in the tall grass once. I heard the squeaking and pulled her up by the harness - no blood on her mouth but she was so excited she pooped all over me. I put her down to clean myself and she beelined back towards the field. She has also "tree'd" chipmunks in my drain spouts - you should see her tail windmill! My male could care less and is the biggest junk food treat hound ever, he'd starve himself eating dog biscuits if I let him. Giesela likes a treat or two but not always. I think this ferret could hunt (but I don't want her to so don't worry:) Mary P.S. She is also the one who STALKS and HATES the dog. It sounds weird but I think she recognizes him as a predator and a threat and won't let up - which makes things very tense. Sigh. [Posted in FML issue 2082]