Okay, the questions are first and then my thoughts on the other stuff.
 
First... has anyone on this list used Dr. Patterson in Mason, MI?  He is
listed as a ferret doctor but I'd love to hear from anyone who's used him
with their ferts if they found him to be very in the know with little
weasles.
 
Second... when I got Kuma he was very skinny.  Now he's starting to accept
TF and has been gaining weight... and a big Buddah belly!  An normal old
ferret thing or time to torture him with another trip to the vets?  (Cuz
you know he just loved it sooooo much last time... <G>)
 
Third, has anyone here ever added a second ferret as a companion to a
senior fert who's always been an only-weasle?  I've been thinking about
getting Kuma a friend but debating whether he'd like it or not.  Nothing
would be happening for a few weeks at least... I'm in the middle of moving
and everythings too hectic.  I'm just thinking at the moment. <G>   Since
I'm sure the "multiplying ferrets" topic that's been done to death,
private e-mails are fine!
 
Minta asked how much attention is enough...
I think quality of the time out of cage is at least as important as
quantity.  In the time they're out, are they getting attention and
stimulation?  When they're caged, do they have toys that get rotated and
things to do so their minds are active?  Plenty of space?  Is the cage
where they can see and hear family activity so they don't feel left out?
I think less time is okay IF they aren't just sitting around like lumps
in the cage and they're getting lots of stuff to do when they *are* out.
Sometimes I think we underestimate how adaptable animals are... after all
if you had another two-footed child, she or he might have an adjustment
phase where they got used to not being the sole/primary focus anymore but
they do learn to share.  Sometimes they need help and reassurance but
everything works out in the end.  :-)
 
Re: Selling Ferrets
I can see both sides and agree one needs to screen potential homes like
crazy.  There are too many weirdos, USDA lisc.  Class B brokers looking to
sell to research and well intentioned but clueless people not to screen
imo.  Some of these folks are SLICK and know just what to say to gain
someones trust and some even bring their family along to further their
ruse.  If the purpose of the price is to discourage disreputable persons,
why not ask they donate a set amount to a ferret rescue?  I can't think
any rescue would turn funds down! <G>
 
Just my opinions...
 
Amanda Mason & Kuma the bear ferret
soon to be in Charlotte, MI!
[log in to unmask]
http://www.geocities.com/throughacatseyes/kuma.html
[Posted in FML issue 3529]