[2-part post combined into 1.  BIG]
 
After reading the article about ferrets on the Martha Stewart website, I
was very upset to see some of the misconceptions that so often mislead
potential ferret owners and as a result, shelters end up with more ferrets
that have been dumped.  I saw this segment before (I think it is the same
one) about ferrets with Marc on it.  Unless it is a new segment?  Not sure.
I did not watch it this time but I can comment on the site's article.
Below my post is the response I got.  I felt he was nice about it, but
should have taken more time or just don't do the article.  Again, less
information is better than WRONG INFORMATION.  I also find it interesting
that when you click on Marc's site from the Martha Stewart site, it is Path
Valley Farms website.  Hmmm...isn't it interesting that he is on the show
promoting ferrets, when he is so associated with Path Valley?  I certainly
found this interesting.
 
As usual, I raise controversial questions <sigh>.
 
    -----Original Message-----
I saw the segment on ferrets on the Martha Stewart show and then read the
article about ferrets on her site.  I was disturbed by a few misconceptions
I read.
 
I am owned by 3 ferrets and have been owned by ferrets for 9+ years.  I do
lots of rescues, but I am not a shelter.  It troubles me when I see a show
that misinforms the public about any animal because then those same people
may go out and adopt without proper information, thus leading to the animal
winding up abandoned or in a shelter.
 
What troubles me is the article states:
>Like dogs, ferrets have glands that secrete a scent when they re worried,
>but all ferrets sold in this country have had those glands removed and have
>been spayed or neutered.
 
Not true.  I have purchased ferrets from breeders and from pet stores where
they are not altered or descented at an early age.  Why does it say this?
 
>They re well suited to smaller spaces, as they re quiet, don t indulge any
>destructive impulses, and take up very little room.
 
Smaller spaces?  Please clarify.  My ferrets require more room than my
Blue and Gold Macaw and the cage is about the same size (7'Tall x 5'wide).
Ferrets need tons of room to run and get exercise.  I hate it when people
are under the impression that these animals are ok to keep in a small
environment like a hamster.  I must be lucky because my ferrets make plenty
of noises, especially when playing.  Telling people these animals are not
destructive is serious misinformation.  Do you realize how many people get
these animals and then turn them over to a shelter because "they dig in my
carpet" or "they chewed up my sofa".  THIS is the problem.  Pet stores
don't tell people these things and now you are perpetuating the myth with
this article - SHAME ON YOU!
 
>Remember to trim the ferret s nails, clean its ears periodically, and give
>it a weekly bath with ferret shampoo.
 
A weekly bath?  Do you realize how dry a ferret's skin can get?  If the
ferret is descented, nobody should even consider bathing it that often.
 
>And they are not vicious animals prone to biting.
 
Good statement, but how about telling the public that they do "nip" as kits
and must be handled and trained not to do so.
 
How about mentioning in the article how much time these ferrets need
OUTSIDE the cage?  That way people can figure out if they have enough time
for it PRIOR to adoption.  As far as the early alteration and descenting
go, I wish this was never "perfected".  I believe this has resulted in a
shortened lifespan of ferrets.
 
What about mentioning how expensive vet bills can be because most vets
still categorize these animals as "exotic"?
 
What about telling people how to ferret-proof their homes?  Even if someone
is watching them while they are out, they can still get into trouble.
 
If you are going to do a segment on these precious animals, please give
factual information so that potential owners can make an INFORMED DECISION.
There are many websites that discuss these things but only MODERN FERRET is
provided as a link, from Martha Stewart's site.  I was upset to see yet
another show encouraging the adoption of these animals without PROPER
information.
 
Not sure who wrote the article, but it is very misleading.  Then again, I
have found plenty of things in Modern Ferret magazine misleading.
 
A concerned ferret enthusiast and rescuer~
 
Marc's response to my letter:
 
Hello Ferret Person!  Thank you for your observations and comments.  I had
only 8 minutes to portray ferrets as the companions that they truly are
and I did the very best I could under the circumstances.  I am sorry that
you did not enjoy it.  Sincerely Marc Morrone
 
        ______________________________________________
Again, should I say that no information is better than the wrong
information?  It results in misinformation.  It would be great if he did a
follow-up article to the one that is on Martha's site, answering the above
questions and also listing websites for valuable information instead of a
magazine subscription or Path Valley Farms.
 
All of you should take the time to go read the article on Martha's site and
also see what I am talking about when his address at the bottom links to
Path Valley Farms.  I never knew he was associated with them and now I
certainly don't have as much respect for him as I once did.  I thought he
was an independent.  To me, this just looks like an opportunity for Path
Valley to advertise.  Am I wrong?  Check it out!
 
If Path Valley actually follows through and donates money to shelters, that
would be great!  I think they should, as well as other farms since this is
where many of their stock end up.
 
I am taking my computer into the shop today for some repairs, so will be
offline for a little while.
 
Take care~
 
P.S.  I laugh when I picture Martha Stewart on her hands and knees dooking
with the ferrets or better yet, scooping poop from a litter box (he,he,he).
[Posted in FML issue 2969]