I told myself to stay out of this debate, I rarely post to the FML, but this
whole MF issue seems to be out of control.  BTW, I own a two year old MF
Male Ferret who is a hearty five pounds and loves life.
 
An excerpt from Alphachi's recent post:
>I am not suggesting any presumption of guilt, just a question of practices,
>period.  Marshall has apparently enjoyed a free lunch for some time.  There
>is NO reason MF should be awarded any more sanctuary than NIKE, Denny's, or
>any business is due, period.  Oddly, the only one associating MF with satan
>is its staunchest defender.  I do not agree.  But MF is no sacred cow,
>either.
 
I don't believe MF is a scared cow.  However, it is a privately held
corporation unlike Denny's, Nike etc.  For those business owners on the
list, would you care to divulge all your business practices to competitors
etc?  I wouldn't.
 
Posting signs etc?  It may work, but these stores make money by selling
these ferrets.  In coastal Georgia, there are no other publicized sources of
ferrets.  Where else is the consumer to turn?  Many people are not fortunate
enough to have internet access or would not find their way to the FML.
Before this list, I was unaware that private breeders of ferrets existed and
the pros/cons of buying from one.
 
Why stop regulation and door opening at MF?  What about the other commercial
breeders or the huge numbers of private breeders?  Are their practices above
reproach?  Or is it easier to target MF?  This is a similar issue to puppy
millers and private breeders.  Some private breeders are the best, others
out for a buck.  Just because a breeder is commercial doesn't make it evil.
 
Has anyone every written a letter to MF asking for these answers?  How about
the Pres. of the big ferret orgs?  What was MF's response?  Were the letters
sent certified, documented receipt etc?
 
Early neutering causes problems - could be.  Not neutering also causes
problems, additional expense to owners, expense and death? associated with
being in heat, but not consumating.  Adrenal problems - ways to determine
the cause.  We need to know!
 
I must admit my knowledge of ferrets is somewhat limited which is why I
subscribe to the FML.  I will gladly boycott Michigan and its products
because it makes me feel better about Kodo.  I may be swayed to boycott MF
as a way to force them to provide information, if they refuse after being
asked nicely.
But I am not willing to deny hundreds of thousands of people the joys of
ferret ownership by targeting MF when other abuses exist AND most reputable
private breeders are unable to get their name out to the general public.  In
a perfect world, no one would be limited to MF as a sole source of ferrets
in their local area.
 
I would support letters directed at ALL large commercial breeders and
something different to the small ones from our "national" organization.  See
who answers and what is said.  Then, lets go from there.  Why single out MF?
 
BTW, do we really want MF to do the studies?  If we could get MF (and other
breeders) to provide an exact tatoo method - Letter/# combo etc, then
private individuals and scientists could track.  If MF or any other breeder
did the test, wouldn't it be too easy to say that the tests were flawed?
Much like the big tobacco debate.
 
The microchip idea or tatoo stamping would be easiest for MF and for them to
comply it must be easy and inexpensive.  They would also have to provide a
type of first generation pedigree.  Others could then track the results.
 
Let MF and the others know that pet shops randomly distribute the warranty
information allowing a simple substitution for anyone whose ferret dies and
wants to claim another from MF.  Identity markings would prevent this, as
well as, MF would have a way to market their ferrets and not worry about
another brand being substituted.  Especially if it could be proven that
their ferrets were healthier than the competition.
 
We must approach this in a way that shows them how it will benefit them AND
how their support and help will allow the FML listees and ferret owners to
identify their products as "ferret friendly" and thus choose them over all
the other mfg brands.
 
Sorry this is so long.  Take these .02 for what they are.  The comments from
someone who loves ferrets, thinks most people should own at least one and
loves Marketing.
 
Sharon & Vincent: The wonder ferret
 
"..Miles to go before I sleep."
[Posted in FML issue 1988]