Alicia D.  at Ferretwise really hit it on the head---ferrets are sold to
pet stores and in pet stores all for the almighty dollar.
 
2003 brought me much sadness--the death of 6 of my ferrets.  All were
Marshall Farms ferrets and I sought medical treatment for every single
one of them when they became ill.  I asked my vet after the death of my
5th ferret, Vada, what in the hell was I doing wrong and she told me I
chose the wrong pet.  Meaning they were destined to die early because of
the early spay/neuter doctrine of the ferret mills.  So I chose the
private breeder route and bought a boy that was unaltered and a 3 year
old boy who was altered after he was a year old.  The kit was altered by
my vet at 7 months old.  I should add that the private breeder kit cost
significantly more than a pet store ferret and I had to pay to neuter him
myself (I left his scent glands intact) but it will be worth every dime
if these ferrets remain healthier.
 
That was another comment made by my vet, people pay $89 for a ferret in a
pet store but they wont pay more as in having to neuter/spay aftermarket.
I paid over $200 for my neuter, no I did not shop around and maybe could
have gone to one of those cheapie snip/PETA van things but I didnt want
to take any chances.
 
Three of the ferrets I lost this past year were bought as babies at pets
stores and were 5 years old.  Loopy continues to hold on and I pray she
makes it to her 7th birthday.  The other 3 that passed were given to me
so I dont know their true ages but they did have ear tattoos.  I will not
ever buy a ferret fr om a pet store again.
 
Regarding pet care to Rochelle and her ferret needing $800 for adrenal
surgery:
 
While most vets say cash, check or charge up front I am sure if you spoke
with your vet they would work with you.  If is certainly something they
dont advertise lest they not be able to stay in business but they will
work out payment plans.  If you dont at least try to work out a way to
pay for this ferrets care will you then dump your other ferrets as they
become sick?  They will eventually have problems.  THEY ALL DO!  I am
not trying to rag on you but they deserve to be cared for when they are
sick too not just when they are in great health.  I have never refused
treatment for my ferrets because I didnt want to spend the money and I
have maxxed out my credit card to pay their treatment costs.  When I
cant do that anymore I will work SOMETHING out with my Vet.
 
Rita B.
[Posted in FML issue 4450]