I have to respectfully disagree with a couple of Dr. Susan Brown's points in
Issue #742.  First, although I agree that ferrets and polecats can interbreed,
that doesn't mean that they are "genetically identical".  Wolf-dog hybrids and
even mallard-Canada goose hybrids can be fertile, but they are considered
different species.  The whole argument that ferrets are domestic rather than
wild animals hinges on the  fact that selective breeding for thousands of years
has separated them genetically from polecats.
     Also, I have seen plenty of Marshall Ferrets sharks that are over three
pounds (males) or under a pound (females).  My MF boys, Smokey & Bandit, weigh
4.5 and 4.75 pounds in the winter, and little Felix can't weigh over twelve
ounces.  This compares to 'Possum, my three pound non-MF ferret.
     Is it really OK to feed the guys raw meat?  Is there a difference in the
safety of raw "game", like rabbits or squirrels, and processed meat like pork
or chicken?  We sometimes give our guys large bones, like ribs, but only after
they're cooked through.  They love to chew on them for hours!  The mink
especially works on bones until there's just about nothing left.
 
     --Laura McD. & Smokes, Bandit, Allie, Hershey, 'Posse-man, and Flixy-girl
 
[A duck and a goose can interbreed?  Yow.]
 
[Posted in FML issue 0745]