hi all -
 
both chris and urban have recently made some valuable points regarding the
sale of ferrets in pet stores.  as a michigan resident, i am very happy
that the legislation to legalize ferrets is proceeding and looks as if it
may pass, but i have concerns about the sudden availability of ferrets in
pet stores here, and their potential novelty appeal to people who may have
never heard of or seen one before.
 
we all know how important it is, especially for beginners, to
get good and accurate advice about our ferrets.  a number of michigan pet
stores already carry ferret supplies, but i would have to guess that
ferret-knowledgable pet store clerks are few, simply because ferrets are
relatively scarce in this state.
 
i worry that first-time owners may run into trouble due to lack of information
or misinformation.  for instance, a number of stores here carry the Hagen
"ferret starter kit".  an uninformed beginner (or store clerk) would
naturally assume that this is a good purchase - but they would be unaware that
a large number of people consider the cedar shavings supplied with the kit
to be dangerous to the ferret respiratory system.  becki and i were
recently in a pet store that sold "ferret toys".  these were basically
small, hollow, soft-rubber dog toys with squeakers in them - most likely a
ferret intestinal blockage waiting to happen.
 
i guess i'm not sure how i stand on the whole issue.  on the one hand, i'd
like it if everyone had the chance to enjoy a ferret, and pet stores certainly
would make ferrets available to more of the public.  on the other hand, maybe
it's worth having people go through the effort of contacting a breeder - at
least they will have a knowledgable contact person.
 
just my two (at least) cents.
 
larry (of becki, larry and the wild eleven)
 
[Posted in FML issue 0852]