Hi all, Thanks so much for all your responses to my "what are ferrets like as pets" post. Your letters have been very informative, and have caused me to reconsider getting a ferret as a new member of our family. I'm afraid my wife was using the story of one bad apple to scare her off from getting a ferret. From your posts, I would have to guess this was a case of someone not realizing what they were doing, and getting a young intact male as a pet; and then not handling him at all. But now that I'm back on the subject of sexes; and yes I realize that every animal is an individual, but I'm looking for generalizations here; what are the differences between male and female behavior? So far I'm know that males grow larger (2-5 lbs.. for an altered male Vs 1 1/2 - 2 1/2 lb. for a female), and some say that a males urine is a little more pungent than a females, and that they have slightly more oil in their coats causing them to be a little more "musky" than a female. What I would like to know, is one sex a little (or a lot) more aggressive, outgoing, and stand offish than the other? Are you more likely to get a ferret that enjoys cuddling and being held with one sex over the other? Are there greater health concerns with one over the other (altered animals only)? And next for a few really loaded questions (this may cause the fur to fly): What is the best cage to but for two ferrets (so far I've been looking at the Ferret Playpen Model 140 36" x 24" x 48" from Midwest Homes for pets- it touted as being "the largest ferret home available on the market!")? What is the best food for Ferrets (also breaking it down to developmental stages)? What is the best litter & and litter box? And where is the best and closest place to purchase a pet ferret; we live in Lincoln, NE? And what are the best grooming products? And what are the most indispensable toys, sleeping bags/hammocks, and other accessories for ferrets? I look forward to you replies, and insights. Thanks so much. Endel H. Randoja [log in to unmask] http://www.unl.edu/mama/classroom/97s/randoja/randoja.class.html [Posted in FML issue 2167]