Dear friends, There were three posts in a row that tore my heart out about ferrets moving on to the rainbow bridge. How will I bear it when my dog and two ferrets leave me? I've been a basket case of guinea pigs, and when my childhood fox terrier died I cried for three days...which is why I asked Skeeter to look for Puddles...which he did, and got a slobbered on face for his pains. My heart goes out to all of you, and you are in my thoughts. I'd post separately to you as I did in the past if my blasted new internet program kept addresses highlighted...but I do this at work and I can't spend as much time as I'd like. There was also mention of the need for exercise (of ferrets--although humans benefit from such a program, too). Aside from an hour-long romp in the morning before I go to work and the two to four hours they spend in the evening I also try to keep their cage movement to the maximum. First of all, I have a large cage...5' x 3' x 18"...with four full floors and a ledge on the top level. Each level has irresistable ferret necessities. A sleep sack and sometimes a hammock on the top level...as well as a water bottle. The third level has either a hammock or a tube and their food bowl. On the second level is a bowl of water and a tube or tent that hang up. The ground level has their large three sided litterpan and three pieces of my ex clothing for bedding. They need to use the whole cage on a regular basis...which is an enforced exercise program while I'm not home. Along w/ the "furnishings" I include toys, which a vary from day to day. I keep a food that is hard to find (Path Valley's blend) to use in their ferret ball and to call Shiloh (can't call Amadeus--he's deaf--but he comes to me when he "feels" me walking around unless he's fast asleep in one of my desk drawers). I put this in the cage every other day or so...and once a week they get Cheerios. I put the ball on the top level, and it's a rare day that I don't find it in the bottom...so that activity is a real hit. Aside from rotating toys, I also rotate the "furnishings" and bedding from what would seem an excessive amount for just two ferrets, so there is frequent mental stimulation as well. Chris and I spent the evening stuffing slips in plastic easter eggs to use for a fund raiser at the Baltimore SOS show...this morning I drizzled a little ferretone on an egg or two and turned them loose in the basket. They had a great time...maybe I'll make up a basket full when I get home... The key is variety and washing. Changing the scent makes them explore it to find out where it's been. I want to thank the person who mentioned that their ferrets liked being out in the dark. I take my guys out at dusk now and they seem much more relaxed and willing to play. Have fun enriching your fuzzies cages! You'll feel less guilty about them being in there, and they'll get more of what they need, too! Pat Tess (why don't you get them a toy box like you did me, mom?) Shiloh (I didn't really appreciate you putting me in my water bowl when I moving it...I only wanted the carpet to get wet, not me!) Amadeus (where's your herbal heat pack mom, I wanna' take it to my hidey-hole?) [Posted in FML issue 2650]