Hello Bob,
 
I am posting this question to the FML as well in the hopes that I get some
input from you and / or the readership.  We just took in the last ferret at
the shelter today-- until some get adopted out.  This is a beautiful mild
mannered male black sable ( intact) but he has NO canines.  They have been
extracted and there appears to be no other damage other than lack of teeth
and a scarred and sliced ear where an ear tag ( lab) once rested.  Anyway
we are guesstimating him at 1- 1/2 years-- though we only can report on
the condition of the molars etc.  They are BRIGHT white and very clean...
making me think he cannot be too old ( though beginning in rut!).  He is
reported to dine on Purina Pro Plan without problems and his weight is a
heathy 3.5 lbs.
 
Do you know if there are any or would be any problems due to the lack of
canines?  Or are they as I suspect in captivity mostly for decorum?  Any
and all ferret wisdom you can share I would be appreciative of-- so that
we see he has educated owners in his new home that know if there are any
special care circumstances or conditions we and they should be aware of.
 
Fondly in ferrets
 
Alicia
for the many faces of Ferret Wise
 
Please visit our shelter site at url
http://www.dartmouth.edu/~crassi/.index.html
 
our web catalog page at:
http://www.dartmouth.edu/~crassi/funalia.html
and at
http://www.iGive.com/html/ssi.cfm?cid=1890&mid=9535
 
Where we receive $2.00 for every new person who signs on, and its totally
free to help us.  Thank you from all the ferrets.
[Posted in FML issue 2636]