First of all, no one has really been bashing the Coles.  At least I wasn't.
I think some valid questions have been raised, and as Anne Ryan said in her
post, it would be helpful if they simply addressed some of those issues
here on the FML.  I'm sure the ferret community would be more likely to
embrace them if they explained what they were doing.
 
Second, I think the bigger concern, again, is not with the Coles, but with
the breeding stock they selected.  UI ferrets DO have structural problems.
TPP ferrets DO have structural problems.  Not all of them, of course, but
enough that any breeder purchasing or using that stock should be extra
vigilant about the kits produced.
 
Third, the fact that they are Christians has nothing to do with it.  The
statement that they are good people who care has been repeated over and
over.  That statement has some validity.  I have met them and I thought
they were good hearted people and I was happy to have them join the ferret
community.
 
Fourth, various people have expressed valid concerns as to whether or not
the Coles are ready, prepared, knowledgeable enough, or have a plan for
their breeding.  The comments by Vickie today go a long way to easing my
mind.
 
Fifth, the whole color issue is silly.  They are calling them whatever
colors TPP called them.  They'll learn.  My only concern, and this is based
on ferret health, longevity, and structure, is that they may breed more
pandas, blazes or other ferrets with WS, and pass that on.  Breeders should
be trying to eliminate it from all their lines.  It's a genetic defect that
should be stopped - like hip dysplasia in dogs.  We, as a ferret breeding
community, should learn from the mistakes made in other species and not
repeat them.
 
Sixth, contributions to the community.  Yes, I would like to hear they are
making contributions.  Sponsoring rings and shows at the very least helps
keep those events going, so that counts in my book.  As I said earlier,
maybe they just prefer to remain anonymous.  I respect that.  For the
record, I made as large a contribution as I could to the ADV research fund.
Not tooting my own horn here, but if every ferret owner could donate
something maybe the research could get going and we could at least get a
vaccine.
 
Seventh, the whole showing thing.  Hey, I admit it disturbs me to know that
it's more likely I'll place lower if someone else is entering 30 or 40
ferrets.  Why show?  Because maybe my ferret is better.  Maybe my breeding
will come out better.  It's a competition.  I'd like to see a limit on the
number of entries from a single breeder too.  I think it would force the
breeders to really understand their ferrets, and only enter the "best of
the best".  Hopefully, we can get more shows going, then not everyone would
go to every show, or they might be more selective about how many they bring
each time.
 
Again, it's a competition, that's the point.  Breed and enter the best you
have and you have the same chance of winning as anyone else.  Honestly.
Though some people don't believe that.
 
Eighth, the questions that have been brought up about the Coles should be
brought up about EVERY SINGLE BREEDER regardless of the number of ferrets
they have.  If you are looking for a kit, talk to the breeder before you
choose and ASK ALL THOSE QUESTIONS.  Any responsible breeder should not
be afraid to answer them.  They should be eager to share their breeding
philosophy, plan, show off their stock.  Every breeder I've talked to has
welcomed those questions.
 
So don't necessarily consider this whole conversation as a personal flame
of the Coles.  Look at it as a learning experience for the community about
breeding, breeders, and what you should know when looking for a kit.
 
Last, if as Vickie said they took in a lot of retired breeders and plan to
give them a better home than they might have had otherwise, they do deserve
a lot of credit.
 
Concerned small ferret owner/breeder
 
[FH]
[Posted in FML issue 3211]