Donna, thank you so much for being exactly on the mark about people's
responsibilities to ferrets!
 
When multiple traits come from one allele (rather than from neighboring
alleles that tend to be seen together but can sometimes be separated) then
no amount of breeding should separate them.  There may be individuals
which have less expression of any of the traits but that's not unusual and
it means squat as far as the offspring or the offspring of the offspring
are concerned.  If dealing with a situation, then, in which the desired
appearance trait is from the same allele as a serious handicap it just
plain makes sense to stop breeding for that fancy trait because it can not
be separated from the handicap.
 
I think it really would make sense for ALL ferret breeders to read up in
genetics text books to get a bit of a handle on what they are doing.  By
this I do not mean those ferret-specific books which are highly
questionable in many (many, many...) areas, but real college genetic text
books (Start with the ones some profs have on their intro genetics book
list by asking a college bookstore.) or even get the Schaum books to
start.  Also, remember that some genetic traits like Waardensburg (sp?)
are found in a wide range of mammals (including us in this case) so there
IS a large amount of information out there which narrows down what is
possible and what simply is not.  To fly on ONLY a hope and dream rather
than having solid information is to play Russian Roulette with ferrets'
well-being.  'Nough said.  What can't be done, can't be done.  All
Breeders really SHOULD get themselves a grounding in at least the basics
of genetics --- PLEASE.
 
On the other thing, PLEASE, people, stop accusing someone of having ADV
positive ferrets when the ferrets have been carefully tested multiple
times and found not to have it.  That just isn't kind or responsible.
 
Joe, don't squeak that toy.  Seriously.  Try a bell instead if you must or
another sound like duck call.  There are all sorts of ideas out there on
why this happens -- everything from ear pain in some, to prey noise, to
kit noise.  Who knows?  I sure don't anymore than anyone else.  Any of
those sound possible as will some other not yet suggested.  I do object,
however, to the idea that the ferret is a reincarnated soul who worked on
a squeaky factory line. ;-)  Cure is the above.
[Posted in FML issue 3111]