We coped fine with seven ferrets in the past, but found it quite a bit harder than six, of course we had two sick then, too, so, no, I wasn't saying that one rule should apply to others and another to us -- we CAN handle seven ferrets in time and budgeting. We just weren't keen to put in that extra difference for just any ferret because we know that really was harder for us, and since we were avoiding temptation had not expected this to happen. Little boy 7 just has a very special need and really tugged our heart strings so we're doing it once again. Hey, people who have been on for a long time, do you recall how Spot used to like to move his big toy "ferret mousie" (stuffed black footer ferret toy which was larger than he was), but we haven't had a ferret before or since who did that with the really large ones? 7 started doing that last night! You should have seen Steve grin and melt! We have several infections from claw cuts from him yesterday; he was filthy. Didn't want to traumatize him so he got a splashing time in the bath tub yesterday but no real bath or ear cleaning, yet, and we had to wait for him to relax enough before clipping his claws last night. One of those claws had at least 4 months of growth; it was 3/4 of a circle. There seem to be tar remnants on one foot. He looks younger cleaned up, but his teeth are absolutely horrid -- spirit and musculature seem quite young, though, and his pelage is thick. We should have a bit of better guess after his dental work; his teeth are just COVERED in tartar and at least one has a terrible break so he doesn't like anyone looking in his mouth. He's a perfect example of needing that 3 year age guessing range. They are all curious about each other but even after his 6 weeks in the shelter we want them to have more time apart for obvious reasons. Will be setting his vet appointment and will have to set a dental appointment for him, plus get his fecal samples checked. [Posted in FML issue 2896]