I am new and already I feel I need to make a statement. I've read for three days and have definitely noticed that there must have been some hostility due to disagreements of opinion. I was very excited to get on FML, but was disappointed as well that our shared obsession and mutual love for fuzzies could turn ugly. It is very sad that there should be name calling and anger, but it is not altogether surprising given the numbers involved. I wholeheartedly agree with ignoring that which is in poor taste and going on, so keep up the positive ions SUKIE and BOB C, your are obviously very wise in the world of Ferret Gurus. '-' !! Next is that I am new enough to the ferret world, only 3 years that I have never lost a ferret to disease or illness, although I have recently had some worrisome moments, my concern is compounded by fear that my VET has very little experience, so sadly I am jumping ship to what I hope is a more experienced VET. I do this with difficulty because he has treated my many cats very well. Well recently we experienced illness in all of our ferrets when I brought home a new kit, and now I am feeling quilty about my purchase from a large chain (petco). Obviously Alfred passed it on the the other 3 twits and the tasha and toby both lost at least a 1/2 lb each. I read yesterday about a symptom referred to bird seed poop, which is exactly what the poops looked like when they weren't runny. They all bravely put up with antibiotics, soupy mixtures, dropper feedings, extra ferretvite and lactobacilus to replace good bacteria. My last vet was uncommunicative and as I was insistent that he answer questions he couldn't so I changed vets to someone who would deal with a psycho worrier ferret mom like me.Anyway they all gained there weight back, are acting healthy and playful, but my two boys continue with loose stools and occasionally seeding in their poop, the girls seem fine, but I continue with a mixture of seameal (a recommendation, lactbi., warm water and ferretvite. I have never really done anything with the pepto, but since the poops aren't runny I haven't used it. Is it just nutrition and care that will eventually bring it back to normal or should I worry more. Alred keeps insisting on cat food, which I redirect him from as much as possible. My vet thinks that since he is active and healthy looking that it is likely related to his various different food intakes. An opinion or two would be nice. I am also curious to know is this birdseed poop thing is a common symptom to many illness' or just ECE, whatever that stands for I am not sure yet but I will find out tonight. I have only ever had one instance of vomiting and very little slime, with occasional green coloring. I have never given Alfred antibiotics because he never really got sick, yet he has had loose stools ever since I bought him last month. He is 3 months, I bought him at 8 weeks. (We dont have any shelters specifically for ferrets in this area the closest one is in Seattle and we are 2 1/2 hrs and a ferry ride from there.) By the way I noticed a message from Megan who indicated she was moving from Oregon to Washington, is it WA state? I live in Sequim, WA close to Port Angeles. So I would be curious if anyone on the FML is near me. Finally my 2 pennies on tails... All of my babies do what Chris and I refer to as tail thwapping and despite the common occurance it is still always cool. This is usually accompanied by shooting the tube a few times and then laying in wait for an unsuspecting fert or cat, then you couch, obtain good butt altitude and thwappity thwappity thwap against the tunnel. Then you spring on to a back and try to hang on. Then maybe for fun just to be cute Tasha will complete the act with a marathon scooching round and round and round with her soft scoochy ball. Who needs TV. Cat wrestling is a whole 'nother story of which I can tell another time. Chow all fellow ferters. Tasha (scoochy girl) Toby (king cat wrestler) Daxter (queen of the dance) Alfred (Turkey fiend) [Posted in FML issue 2427]