>From:    Lise O'Brien <[log in to unmask]>
>After reading the post on "arctic ferrets", I remembered this really cool
>looking ferret at Thomlinsons.  She was a calico.  Her undercoat was a
>creamy-white, and she had spots of orange, brown and black.
 
Hey Bill Killeen!  Ever heard of this?  I haven't (but sure would like to
see one!).  Thinking it may be some sort of patterned AOV.
 
>Recently I have read concern regarding ferrets being desexed, descented
>and sold at an all too early age.  Would anyone be interested in
>petitioning (politely) the many farms requesting they wait an additional
>couple of weeks before they perform the aformentioned acts?
 
The only problem with that is the pet stores want them as young as they can
get them.  If they are going to a pet store their stitches must be removed,
incision healed (wouldn't want to get a new kit home & have her intestines
fall out), and fur grown back.  Stores want them by 6 weeks because that is
when they are "cute" and will sell the quickest.  So unless it is regulated
by the USDA & the individuals are fined, they will still supply kits altered
too young.  Most private breeders (hobby & some larger) wait until the kits
are older or sell them with a spay/neuter contract.
[Posted in FML issue 2376]