I posted for the first time on 4/8 and told the story of our first ferret, Jamie, who died at only 20 weeks of age due to a blockage in her intestines that went undiagnosed by her vet. Thanks to all who sent me comments and expressed sympathy - I appreciated every one! I will be doing all I can to find a good ferret vet; Jamie's life may have been spared if the vet had thought of a blockage first thing. I would like to know of any good ferret vets, shelters, events, etc., within an hour or so drive (I live in New York, approximately mid-way between Utica and Binghamton, but may go as far as Syracuse or Albany.) If anyone knows of any, please let me know. You can e-mail me directly, or to the FML (I read them all!!). I noticed someone was asking about a show in Syracuse in June; please respond on the FML so I'll know, too. About three months after Jamie died, we got Brae (pronounced "bray"); he's a six-month-old sable. We bought him at 8 weeks of age from the local pet store (I know, I know!!); he's from Path Valley Farms, and came neutered and descented. He's been a lot of fun, and I do hope our inexperience doesn't cause him any harm. As you may have guessed by now, I have little or no resources available to me concerning basic care of ferrets. I have learned a lot from the FML, have read two issues of Modern Ferret, and have read some of the FAQs from Ferret Central. I promise to read all the FAQs real soon, but would appreciate a list of basic do's and don't's for ferret care. For instance, no one ever told me I should be cleaning his teeth and ears, but in reading the FML's it appears I should be? Would someone tell me if I should be, and how it's done? Also, should I be giving him a hairball remedy? How much and how often? Ferretone/Linatone/Geritol: I looked for Ferretone as a distraction for clipping his nails. The pet store didn't have any, but suggested Linatone for cats - that's working great for the nails. I put a drop on his belly, and he was busy licking it off while I clipped all his nails in one sitting! Could/should this be used as a dietary supplement also? Or should I feed him Ferretone? My vet suggested Geritol believe it or not for a vitamin/iron supplement; I put a few drops in his food once or twice a week. Has anyone heard of this? Do you think it's ok? One last question re cat (kitten) food vs. ferret food. The vet and pet store both suggested feeding him kitten food; he's been on Purina Kitten Chow. I've just recently started working in a little 8 in 1 for ferrets, and giving him some Flint River Ranch Super Premium Kitten and Cat Health Food for treats. Would someone please tell me if it's ok to feed him cat food and, if so, what brand, or if I should be using ferret food. I've seen all the comments on the FML re TF, Iams, Ukanuba, Science, One, etc., etc., and I'm quite confused! About the only other food he gets (in small amounts, as treats) is raisins, peanuts, peanut butter, and corn pops. Is this diet ok? Sorry for another long post! I'll try to limit my questions to one at a time! BTW, I really enjoyed the stories about the typical morning, and the ferret who kept trying to hide his boa under the bureau!! I was LOL!!! :- ) Debbie [Posted in FML issue 2282]