On the need for regulations:
* kits now shipped too young to eat solid food resulting in failure
  to thrive, prolapsed rectum and other issues
* ferrets' need for frequent meals
* ferrets' sensitivity to temp extremes, especially high temps
* ferrets are intelligent complex animals thus there is a need for
  family/social groups to stay intact as long as possible to make
  good  pets
 
Suggested regulations:
* minimum age of shipping 8 weeks by dental eruption so they can
  handle kibbled food
* altering incisions should be healed before shipping
* minimum cage size standards and opportunity for exercise and social
  interaction
* max length of time between offering food and water
* minimum and maximum temperatures, especially if animal is not
  acclimated
 
Other suggestions:
* be polite and professional
* don't badmouth any breeders or stores!
* do use sad personal stories!
 
Several letters have now been posted on the IFC web site.
 
Linda Iroff
International Ferret Congress
http://www.ferretcongress.org
[Posted in FML issue 4967]