Help. I spend most of my time lurking on this list, so I know you don't really know me. I've had ferrets for almost 7 years, but I have run into a challenge that I cannot keep up with. I recently adopted two neutered male ferrets, now about 9 months old, from a friend of a co-worker. They were fine at first. Now they have developed some really bad habits and I do not have the time or patience to handle it any more. I really like the little guys, but I can't keep up with their messes and destructive behavior. I've used all the methods I have on my past 7 ferrets to no avail. They will not, use the litter box, keep their food in the bowl ( they have to drag the bowl into the poo and dump it), one of them won't stop nipping (although that is getting better). When they are out they dig up the carpet, climb the shelves to get into the plants, bite through whatever they can, including shoes and toes. I've never had this kind of problem before and I'm at a loss to keep up. Both my husband and I work full time, I can't stay home to correct them as often as they obviously need. I live in Northern Va. If anyone has suggestions for a good adoption site or a way to achieve radical behavior modifications I would really appreciate it. Thanks. I'll watch the list for respnses, but please contact me directly if you can help. Erci Nolan - frustrated and frazzled. [Posted in FML issue 2081]