I got this letter from a guy who *never* owned ferrets wanting to be a
breeder!  After I picked up my jaw I answered him.  Did I do enough???  I am
really worried.
 
>I just wanted to say that I am very interested in ferrets and have been
>looking into them.  I have been reading and printing all the information
>that I could use to find them.  I really like your web page and have
>bookmarked it for future use.  If you have PowWow or ICQ..(chat programs)
>then I would love to chat with you sometime.  I just need to know one
>thing...how much do ferrets usually cost and what if I have a minature
>dachshund (weenie dog) will he hurt them?  I plan on getting 2 so that I
>can breed them and raise them.  Thanx CHILL.
 
Each dog is different.  No no on dogs who hunt.  Please don't breed them.
For one you will have a hard time finding them unfixed.  All pet stores sell
the fixed.  2nd you do not know enough about them yet.  Reading is fine, but
you need hands on experience for years 1st on behavior etc.  As this is a
huge part of breeding.  You need to know about genes, defects, etc too.
There are already alot of hobby breeders ( breeders who aren't a large
company).  They do NOT make a real profit.  It is impossible too really.  If
a ferret isn't bred it can DIE.  And it is in season ALL spring and summer.
This means you have to fix each baby (approx $100), and ferrets only sell
for $150 max.  Then you have to get each it's first distemper shot.
 
You have to become a ferret expert before you can breed.  This means hands
on with fixed ferrets first.  If not you can't do it right and no one will
buy from you etc.  Plus your ferrets will not have the benefit of going to
good homes (good because you gave them all the info they need to know).  You
also have to be prepared to answer all the new owners questions and form a
long long relation with them.  Cos they will come to you for guidance.
Ferret shelters are usually high stocked.  And they adopt out their fixed
ferrets for anywhere from $50-115.
 
Please don't add to the growing ferret problem.  Enough go to homes, then
get sent to shelters because the owner expected a cat or dog personality.
Ferrets take more care, and need to be supervised a LOT more.  People also
treat them like fish and leave them locked up all the time 24hrs a day.
Being a breeder you would have to be responsible for making sure this didn't
happen (by choosing carefully potential owners and educating them before and
after purchase).
 
I am sorry if I offended you in any way.  I just don't think you know the
seriousness of what you were proposing.  There are already plenty of ferrets
to fit the demand.  You didn't even read enough info to know if your dog
could hurt them, and yes it *could*.  Please read much more on ferrets,
genes, and breeding ferrets.  Then if you decide you are up to it, buy a
fixed ferret and get a few years of experience with ferret behavior.
Breeding ferrets is to improve the breed not make money.  I will put you in
touch with some breeders if they agree.  And I am positive they will tell
you the same.
 
Thank you.
 
-Raechel (Watchur6) & Kevin (Sparky)
 
=-= Monkey, Kona, Mitz, and Two =-= [log in to unmask] =-=
 "Look Mom and Dad, We have our own email address!"
                VISIT OUR FERRET WEB PAGE
      http://www.geocities.com/RainForest/8259/
[Posted in FML issue 1944]