Hi all,

I just adopted two ferrety friends yesterday. I am *so* excited! I've been wanting one for a year or so now and have spent the time researching their needs and care requirements. I have two 8-week-old sisters who are adorable. They came home yesterday and I gave them some time to feel comfortable in their new home. It didn't take long! Within fifteen minutes, they were wrestling, eating and drinking, which was great to see. This morning I took them out for a handle for the first time. They're quite nippy, but this is to be expected, and it doesn't actually hurt. I just tell them a loud "NO" and they're learning already. When one of them was particularly rough, I gave her time out in the cage for a few minutes. She was *not* impressed!
I'd heard a good method for nip training was to put some bitter apple on your hands. I couldn't find this anywhere (the pet stores I went to didn't have any), but I'd heard that mouthwash worked well, too. One of my fuzzies LOVES it! She won't stop licking my hand! I'm a little concerned that it won't be good for her, so later on I'll try without anything; they seem to be getting the message very quickly with the NO anyway, and I'm making sure we have a little wrestle after every telling off so that they know that I'm still a fun mommy!

I would like a little advice on the canine distemper vaccine, if anyone has any to give. Some people say that they should have the first jab right now (5-8 weeks), but others say that their immune system is still a bit weak and waiting till ten weeks is better. Does anyone have anything to add on this topic? I obviously want to err on the side of caution, and knowing ferrets are more likely to have adverse reactions to vaccines than dogs and cats anyhow, I feel like waiting a couple of weeks might be a good idea. On the other hand, distemper is a killer...
They live indoors and I don't have any other pets; the only dog I come into contact with (but NEVER in my home) is fully vaccinated.
What do you think?

They're awake and playing right now. They've just discovered that the old teeshirts I've thrown in their cage have sleeves! Wow, how exciting *that* is!

Unfortunately, being a mum to two fuzzies doesn't mean the housework can be ignored, so I must dash to do that.

Thanks for your advice!