>From: Troy Lynn Eckart <[log in to unmask]> >Subject: Temperatures for ferrets Opinions are fine. But when you state opinions it does set you up to be contradicted. Contradcitions aren't flames and absolutely nothing personal is intended. I'll quote a bit from the second edition of _Biology_and_Diseases_of_the_ _Ferret_ editted by James G Fox. A chapter written by Dr Fox himself entitled "Housing and Management" Optimum temperatures for the ferret appear to be 4 to 18 degrees C (40 to 65 degrees F), with a humidity range of 40 to 65%; unweaned ferrets should be maintained at a minimum temperature of 15 degrees C (59 degrees F). The optimum temperature range recommended by the Council of Europe Convention for ferrets is 15 to 21 degrees C. That latter wasn't converted to degrees F but that would be about 59 to about 70 we believe. Dr. Fox for that paragraph cited Andrews PLR. The ferret. In: Harlow TP, ed. Universities Federation for Animal Welfare handbook on the care and management of laboratory animals. Essex: Longman Scientific & Technical. But yes of course ill ferrets would likely need warmer temperatures merely to help them keep their body temperatures up. Elderly ferrets sometimes do but sometimes don't need the extra help in our expereinces. We see them all huddle together under blankets at all temperature ranges. Silly critters. Since this list is mostly American and mostly pet owners, most people here will agree about ferrets being indoor companion pets. But they certainly have survived an awfully long time in other roles. Just because some ferret owners have different ideas on how to best care for ferrets does not mean they love their ferrets more or less than anyone else. Its not really a good way to debate ferret care by saying others must love their ferrets less because they disagree. Thats kind of mean. b&d -- bill and diane killian zen and the art of ferrets http://www.zenferret.com/ mailto:[log in to unmask] [Posted in FML issue 2877]