Bill, wow!  Go for it!  I could imagine you in ferret medicine when the
time is right for you.  Hope I don't step on your toes with the following,
but why should you be the only one to take flak for upsets caused by
standard fuss and muss?  If you dont'mind, here are my two cents.  Feel
free to delete if you do mind.
 
Gary, Sorry to upset you, but could you cool it with the 'press
releases'?  Given people's reading time and Bill's space worries can't
you just give a one paragraph synopsis and then let folks REQUEST the
rest if they want it?  This would probably work for any over-done or
flame-inducing topic, I'd guess.  (BTW, when you have been on the list a
while longer you'll know folks personally.  Doctorates are not unusual
here; folks don't tend to mention them unless they directly pertain to
the subject matter, or unless a member who just defended wants to let
friends know.  Many whose education is related to the material often
don't say so.  It helps others not over-rate an opinion, so has been a
self- imposed modesty tradition since the start -- yes, we were here then
with many five others.)
 
Tara, Hjalmar was a SCREAMER as a baby.  He also was as close to
perfection as an adult as any critter I've known.  Here's wishing you
that fortune!
 
BTW, has anyone else ever had ferrets start screaming and looked outside
to see a funnel cloud?  Our's didn't touch down.  Whew!
 
Andi, we're in N.J., too, and have had experience with abused ferrets and
a severely handicapped one.  Where is this shop?  We once had to get Fish
and Game after one because they were spreading a dangerous infectious
disease.  F&G found it was true and required treatment, placement of the
animals, and rescinded the place's licence for a while.  Our state
department is understaffed and too bullied by politicos, but it has some
truly fine folks.  BTW, the worst thing the antis got though was that
licence enclosure; they just did not get support.  (Steph, also note:
Fish and Game and Humane Societies have sometimes gone after vets who
abuse; we saw it happen on L.I.  (late '70s or early '80s when a vet
suddenly went bonkers and mashed a small dog to death in his examination
room).)
 
We've got a handicapped ferret, and two ferrets who were abused, and have
worked with others, so here's what we find works.  Be extra alert to the
critter's body language, and note what scares it.  Never use physical
punishment or fear on an abused animal.  Time out is far and away the
best.  Lavish praise for things done right, and reward heavily -- love is
powerful medicine.  Try treats that have to be 'kissed' like Linatone or
Nutrical instead of chewy treats, but don't try them on a finger right
away.  Be consistent and simple.  Move slowly and purposefully, never
startle.  Warn a vet you trust and then get a full exam in case the
behavior is health related.  It takes time to feel secure and safe if you
never have.  Build trust.  If you do take her and need to talk instead of
getting mad at her we are at 1-908-580-0506; you may also call us if you
can't get through to F&G so I can give you another number which is not to
be over-used.
 
Hi, Barb!  We missed you!  Tell us if your new kit ever says 'I never
drink ...  wine'.
 
Nancy, where are you?  How is Brie?
 
Female faces on breeders are longer, male faces are stubbier, but don't
forget how prognathic a face is can vary between lines, so it's within
line.
 
Always remember that each field of science changes with info received,
and some things are enjoyably matters for debate for years to come; in
that it is quite like marriage, or ferret sock retrieval,
                Sukie, Steve, and our 6 cuddlers
[Posted in FML issue 1228]