Choosing a ferret breeder is a matter of research, common sense, and
knowing about ferrets before choosing a breeder. I hope this guideline
help you select a responsible breeder that is concerned with the
betterment of the breed. Here is a list of questions you can ask your
potential breeder. You will be able to choose a ferret breeder with
confidence, and you'll be on your way to enjoying your new ferret.

*Compile a short list of potential breeders you would like to
interview.

*Have you made a checklist of the characteristics you're looking for?

*Interview the Breeders. A quality breeder should be happy to answer
all your questions. While you're in the process of finding the right
breeder to supply you with the newest member of your family. That
breeder should feel as strongly about the well being of your ferret
as you do.

*How long have you been breeding ferrets? Do you show? Why or why not?
You want someone who has breeding ferret long enough to know what they
are doing.

*How large is your breeding operation? Where do your ferrets spend most
of their time?

Are the kits raised in the house, how often are they handled, have they
been socialized daily on an individual basis?

Are they used to being handled by strangers?

More than 3 months old, does it run around the house on a daily basis
or playpen at least 2-3 times a week?

*What is the family history?

*Ask to meet the ferret's parents.

*Genetic defects? How are you breeding to avoid those defects? Breeders
should be honest about the breed's strengths and weaknesses and
knowledgeable about the genetic diseases that can affect their breed.
You want someone who's up-front and knowledgeable about problems in
the breed, and someone who's actively working to minimize them.

Ask about an health problems in the background of the kit or adult. At
least the last 5 generations, not just the parents, grandparents, etc,
but their litter mates as well.

What did they die of and how old were they when they developed the
disease or condition?

Did they have any other health issues?

What other health problems have occurred in any of the ferrets bred
by this breeder and at what ages?

*Information on the Kit /Adult

What shots have they had and at what age?

What are they eating, and have they been fed any raw or whole prey?

Has any of breeder's ferrets ever had a reaction to a vaccine?

*What sort of health guarantees does breeder offer?
Your ferret may become ill within days of you bring it home, or ferret
may manifest congenital health defects months or even years later.

What does the breeder guarantee in writing in reference to health and
temperament and for how long?

Does the sales contract stipulate that the buyer can return the kit or
adult within 1-2 weeks for a full refund or replacement if the
temperament or personality is not satisfactory?

Does the contract stipulate breeder's rights? What are those rights?

*Recommendations? Ask the breeder for a couple references of ferret
owners that they have sold within the past year. Call them. Find out
if the breeder was fair, if they were happy with their ferret and how
any problems were handled.

Talk to people and ask them about their ferrets. Everyone loves to talk
about their ferrets. (Ferret clubs, ferret events, ferret forums)

*Do you like the breeder? Will you feel comfortable replying on this
person as a resource to help you if you ever run into problems with
your ferret? If you feel that the breeder is rude, ignorant, or
disagreeable, look elsewhere to purchased your ferret. One of the
advantages of buying from a breeder is the support and help they can
offer you and your ferret.

Reputable breeders usually show as a way of learning more about ferrets
as well as to enhance their reputations and sales. Just because a
breeders ferrets are winning at the shows does not necessarily mean it
is a better ferret" or that it will be healthier and/or have a better
temperament.

One sign of a good breeder might be a discussion of how he or she works
to improve upon the breed, rather than the brags of the wins.

Good luck in your search for a breeder and your new ferret.

[Posted in FML 7502]