Hi Folks,
 
        My name is Alan Braunstein and I've been reading the FML for about
     one week now.  I am a ferret owner (actually two ferrets, Mercury &
     Achilles) for over two years and have seen a lot of the same questions
     as usually covered in the newsletters of the American Ferret
     Association (AFA).
 
        I think this FML is fantastic and have been searching for this type
     of interactiveness with regards to ferrets.  I take my hat off to
     those who keep the interaction alive and well.  I especially take my
     hat off to Bill Gruber who is doing a fantastic job at moderating this
     mailer.  I know the pains of just maintaining an E-Mail exploder
     (mailing list) WITHOUT having to moderate what is said and compiling
     all of it into a neat format.  GREAT JOB!!
 
        Meanwhile, I would like to share another source of valuable
     information with all of the ferret enthusiasts.  In fact, maybe Bill
     will consider posting this info in the header of the FML along with
     the standard info that is always there (the three FML E-Mail
     addresses).  This source of info is the American Ferret Association
     Newsletter and is available to all that join (at least in the USA).
 
        If you are interested in joining the AFA, individual memberships
     are $25.00 per year.  There is also a business rate and, I believe, a
     family rate.  Please write to:
 
                                        The American Ferret Association
                                        P.O. Box 3986
                                        Frederick, Maryland  21705
 
                        or call:
                                        (301) 898-3228
 
        The newsletter comes out about every two months and is full of info
     all about ferrets.  News from legal matters all over the country to
     good and bad vaccines.  You'll also find classified ads, ferret
     rescues (adoption centers), food ads (like "Totally Ferret"), and
     upcoming ferret events.
 
        If you need further info, you can also contact me at:
 
                                Alan Braunstein
                                The Johns Hopkins University/
                                Applied Physics Laboratory
                                Daytime Phone: (410) 792-6000 or
                                               (301) 953-6000
                                extension: 3981
                                Evening/Weekend Phone: (410) 356-5865
                                email: [log in to unmask]
 
        Lastly, I've noticed many questions regarding the nipping/biting
    problems and how to control the problem.  If you have more than one ferret
    you will see how rough they are with each other.  They're tough little
    creatures.  With that in mind, if/when they nip/bite flick them right in the
    nose, straight on, like flicking a bug off of your arm.  You're not going to
    drive their nose into their head but you are going to wake their little ass
    up and make them very aware that nipping/biting is unacceptable.
 
        In Maryland, if a ferret bite is reported, the authorities have the
    legal right to confiscate the animal and destroy it.  Keeping in mind that
    there are those individuals who will make a mountain out of a molehill
    (and a gaping flesh wound out of a minor nip) cover your ass and your
    ferret's life by training the animal NOT TO BITE.  Assume nothing!
 
        Well, I hope this wasn't overbearing.  Be healthy, happy, safe and
    prosperous this New Year and stay involved.
 
                                                CIAO,
                                                 Al
[Posted in FML issue 1058]