LOOKING FOR IMRAB:
This is ONLY available to licensed vets.  Although not as high on the list
as Ebola and Anthrax, rabies is still a communicable and deadly virus.
Rabies Vaccines do contain a small amount of the virus, enough to culture a
large amount.  THE IMRAB VACCINE IS KILLED VIRUS- DO NOT EVER GIVE LIVE
VIRUS VACCINES TO FERRETS!!!  However, the manufacturers have chosen (I
don't know if they chose or say, the CDC, chose for them), and quite wisely
in my book- not to sell any rabies vaccine OTC.  So you can stop looking for
it- you won't find it.  If you want to cheaply vaccinate your fuzz balls,
why not speak to a local vet about setting up a ferret rabies clinic in your
area.  I recently attended a ferret show where a rabies clinic was hosted.
I think it was $8 a shot.  CHEAP :-)!!  It worked out great for me as I was
supposed to take two of my critters in the following week for rabies- would
have been a $100 proposition, and a 2 hour round trip.  Saved me a bundle of
money and time!
 
OVER WEIGHT FERRET:
Keep them on the IAMS Kitten, but drop the Totally Ferret.  TF is very high
in fat and protein, an good weight gain combo.  I would also suggest a trip
to a ferret knowledgeable vet to rule out any medical problems.  One other
thought: How many treats is this guy getting?  Try cutting back on the
raisins, nutrical, etc.
 
SMOKING AT FERRET SHOWS:
As a member of the LOSNJ show committee, I can tell you that for the health
of our ferrets, the children in attendance, the judges, and the attendees in
general, smoking will not be tolorated in our show hall.  I don't think it
has ever come up as an issue, people who smoke simply leave the building to
do so.  I also know that the LOS National show in Croyden is held in a
school, so smoking would never be allowed there.  As long as we are on the
topic- the LOSNJ show is tentatively scheduled for next August- and we have
got some MAJOR plans in the works.  We have new show space which will
accomadate easily 1500 people, and a special suprise.  We expect to make a
full announcement by Christmas with all details, but this will be a show you
will NOT want to miss!
 
LIORICE:
Don't worry- what goes in, must come out.  And just like with the food, the
color doesn't change a whole lot from one end to the other!
[Posted in FML issue 1753]