in response to jason's question about water bottles: my sparky does that occasionally. my first thought is that she cannot get at the water, maybe an air bubble or something. but i really think it is because she prefers to drink out of a bowl & this frustrates her. i used to always go over & make sure the ball was free, and it was, so i just think this is her way of saying ' i want my water in my bowl mommy!' just to share a sweet ferret moment: i picked sparky up when she was sleeping & she continued to sleep for about 15 minutes in my arms....she would stretch & move & twitch (as in dreams)...i buried my face in her fur....she woke up at last & licked my nose, mouth, eyes for what seemed like *forever*....what joy! prayers & good thoughts for the sick little ones & grieving mom's & dad's.... sincerely, pat & sparky [Posted in FML issue 2763]