>We all know that many indoor plants can be poisonous when chewed on or >ingested. But how about outside plants? Are there any flowers or shrubs >that should be avoided on our great adventures? Areas that have been treated with lawn fertilizers, pesticides, and weed killers should definately be avoided. If you know that an area has been treated, I'd wait until after a good rain before venturing your ferrets into that area. I'd suspect that most lawns in suburbia (US) have treated lawns this time of year. (Having allergies like I do to fertilizers and pesticides makes this time of year hellish for me!) Rural folks living near farmland or orchards should take some care as well. Farmers use various fertilizers and pesticides and the wind can help carry these chemicals to your lawns. If you are a bit on the paranoid side, you can give your ferret a bath after their excursions into the great outdoors. This will help to wash off any chemical or plant irritants. As far as poisonous plants, invest in a guide to wildflowers and plants. If not for your ferrets then for the young people that may visit or live with you. Being familar with plants that are poisonous or that can be skin irritants (like poison ivy, stinging nettle, etc.) is important. You can help to keep the young people and your ferrets away from as many dangerous plants as possible. If your ferret absolutely must chew on a plant, try a blade of grass, a clover blossom or leaf, or even dandelions as someone suggested. (A bitter old dandelion might be a clever way to convince them chewing on plants is bad. ;) I hope this helps! -kim, squirt (dirt-digger extraordinaire!), pippi (queen of thieves), atlas ('da big guy), and jinx (the shadow nip) Kimberly Burkard | _ Everything I needed to know in life, Eastman Kodak Company| _____C .._. I learned from my ferret: Rochester, New York | ____/ \___/ Frolic and dance for joy often, have [log in to unmask] |<____/\_---\_\ no fear or worries, and enjoy life. [Posted in FML issue 2300]