A friend of mine is interested in learning about _polecat-ferrets_, the
variety of domesticated weasel that is used primarily as a ratter.  I
understand that the bulk of these are bred, raised and placed in homes in the
UK, not here.  If anyone has information on them, particularly on any
breeding and placement of them in this country as well as on their training
and skills, or on how to get hold of anyone or any group that has such
information, please let me know right away.  Thank you, Yael Dragwyla
 
[polecat-ferrets aren't weasels.  They're a cross-breed between a
European polecat and a domestic ferret, with personality somewhat
in between.  European polecats may have been the wild ancestors
of domestic ferrets, but are somewhat different, and have a wilder
temperment.  Polecats, ferrets and polecat-ferrets are all used
for hunting rabbits and rat extermination in the UK, but each of the
"breeds" are a different compromise in temperment and "reliability".
Particularly while exterminating rats, you need an animal as bold,
fearless and able as a polecat, but at the same time, you need an
animal that'll come back afterwards.  One of the commonly available
Ferret books talks about polecat-ferrets and hunting with them, but
I forget the title.  Someone here will remember.]
 
[Posted in FML issue 0776]