Hullo, all. I'm considering my first ferret -- still reading everything in sight, and eyeballing my unsafe apartment -- and am looking for some information; any help would be welcome. (Please e-mail me, there's a chance I'd miss it here...) The big question is: my apartment is stuffed to the gills with books. Books in shelves, in stacks, in boxes, books as furniture for other books, are these in any danger? Several people have told me it shouldn't be a problem, but this is a *big* concern. Secondly, I'm looking for information on responsible breeders/shelters in Southern Maine, preferably the Greater Portland area (no car). Lastly, I'd love to visit some ferret owners in the area to see the furballs in action, and, hopefully, see a proofed home. My one-on-one contact with the critters is both limited and years in the past (baby-sat one weekend, basically). Thanks in advance... As an aside: On Guinea Pigs: If I remember correctly, guinea pigs were domesticated in the Andes as a food animal. They're still used as such; I think they're a major protein source in the mountainous areas. They're kept in the house -- under the bed, etcetera -- free to roam around, and are fed table scraps. Occasionally one gets grabbed and added to the night's meal. If that's not enough of a gross out, find a copy of Edward Bryant's short short "Bean Bag Cats" which guinea pigs always remind me of. -------------------------- ::E.Sicotte :: ::Do the Go Zebra! [Posted in FML issue 2433]