We've just gotten back from our first vacation in many years..  We were a
bit behind...
 
>From:    Betsy Blaskopf <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: Ferret SHows?
>I am interested in any ferret shows that might be coming up in the New York,
>New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland area, if someone can please
>send me info.  Also anyone know any information on New Jersey based ferret
>groups?  Thank you very much.
 
Just heard about a show coming up in NY on Long Island.  Will post details
as we ourselves get them.
 
In Maryland is probably the premier ferret show of the year...
 
Ferret Expo (tm) '97 Championship Ferret Show
March 1, 1997  New Carrollton, Maryland
Sponsored & Sanctioned by: American Ferret Association, Inc.
Call: 1-888-FERRET-1
 
We'll let LOS in NJ/PA talk about their own shows and clubs.
 
>From:    Pam and crew <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: A Bold Venture ;)
>SHOW RESULTS -- I would be quite willing, if clubs of any
>variety/affiliation/independency would send their show results, to compile a
>quarterly listing and make it available to anyone who wants it.
 
If you haven't tried talking to the AFA, send email to [log in to unmask] (its
an alias for [log in to unmask] if that address has shown up) and ask to be
involved.  I'd already forwarded this info to Sall Heber, President and
she's always happy to have more volunteers.  The AFA is currently compiling
a yearbook of show winners for the past two years and when its available
we'll post details.
 
>PEDIGREES -- I'd really like to see some sort of main database accumulate
>on this.
 
This topic comes up all the time.  Political infighting kills it every time.
FURO did have a registry but kept it completely private.  Worthless really.
NAFA has one but with so little information as to be likewise useless.  The
AFA has discussed it and although they are the largest US (and
international) ferret group they decided that with the current hostility
from other groups any effort they made would be undermined and become
likewise not very useful.
 
We personally have helped with a small effort done in Virginia/Maryland but
it was too much for the small group that tried.
 
The USKC has started a ferret registry that is limitted to color and
parentage information.  We're still undecided on this ourselves.  But if we
came out for it publicly those that hate us would come out against it. <sigh>
 
>From:    Patricia Burnette <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: Spaying and Pregnancy
>Hi!  Can anyone tell me how to tell if my ferret is spayed???  She is about
>6 months old and I have an un-neutered male as well (at least he acts
>un-neutered) If she is not spayed, how do I tell if she is pregnant???
 
It is very unlikely (but not impossible) that a 6 month old jill could be
pregnant.  It is also impossible to tell whether a jill is spayed or not
from simply looking until she goes into season.  At that time you will
easily detect a swelling in the vulva.  Trust us you will see it.
 
>How do I tell if he is neutered?
 
Look below his tail.  If you can't tell, he's neutered (or at least not in
season).  If you detect anything that resembles the old two marbles in sacks
he's hole.  If not he's not.
 
Send us private email if you need to discuss this further.
 
>From:    "Mrs. Duck" <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: FERRET FLU
 
Sounds exactly like ECE not different at all.  The differences you describe
are what we are actually more familar with as ECE symptoms.  Some of the
folks you've been in contact with are ECE exposed.  Anti-biotics often help
with viral infections by helping with secondary infections of bacteria
taking advantage of weakened immune systems.  The flourescent coloring was
never in the ECE ferrets we knew.
 
>From:    Edward Lipinski <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: Ferret Fur Steering Wheel Covers?
>Has anyone out there heard that a major California sports auto supply
>company will be marketing steering wheel covers made out of ferret pelts
>once ferrets are legalized there?
 
Why?  Ferret fur isn't right for that type of application.  It used to be a
poor man's fur for clothing but Sterringing wheel covers with fur?  Ferret
fur is not dense enough for many applications and a sterring wheel cover
would have heavy handling which would very quickly pull out all the guard
hair.  Sounds like a silly rumor - nothing to be concerned about.
 
bill and diane killian
zen and the art of ferrets
http://www.zenferret.com/
mailto:[log in to unmask]
[Posted in FML issue 1824]