FERRET-SEARCH@LISTSERV.FERRETMAILINGLIST.ORG
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Date: | Tue, 20 Jan 2009 23:45:16 -0800 |
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[Forwarded to Lacey when received. Her response follows. BIG]
Ferrets in Large Numbers. Ferret Shelter Hyperpopulation
>Lacey says she has between 100 and 150 ferrets at the shelter at any
>one time. We really cannot afford to lose any shelter right now,
>especially one that has such a high ferret count.
Dear Lacey, et al,
Maintaining a colony of ferrets numbering 100 to 175 (only 150 quoted
here) has to be a tremendous lot of work and is very costly.
My concern is that the ferrets in this shelter are not being adopted
into good homes in a timely manner. Hence the unusually high number of
ferrets in this jurisdiction. This is not necessarily the fault of the
shelter operator, but it does suggest a major problem.
Are some of the sheltered ferrets fertile, pregnant, or having kits
more or less regularly?
One may assume that in a population of this magnitude, the death rate
is above average. At 3 percent, about 5 annually.
I am doubtful that I, alone, could maintain a 150 ferret colony and do
the best possible for all the ferrets. I could not maintain a colony
this size and have any time whatsoever to devote to potential adopters
who come to visit.
Can you shed some light on what the major problem may be?
I am aware of that flooding has wrecked havoc on the shelter, but my
questions/concern preempt that tragedy.
Thank you,
Edward Lipinski,
Ferret Endowment for Research, Rehab, Education & Training Society
North West Foundation.
[Posted in FML 6221]
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