To Logan Boyd:
 
Generally, reputable/experienced breeders sell their ferrets for more than
what pet stores sell them for.  As with puppies/kittens, there are some
'backyard breeders' around who will see you a kit for maybe $20, but there
are no health guarantees, no vaccinations, no pedigree, and remember - YOU
will have to pay for the entire series of vaccinations, and spay/neutering
when the time comes.
 
Pet store ferrets have at least one vaccination and are already neutered and
descented when you purchase them.
 
BUT.....the cost of the ferret is the LEAST of your expenses.  If you can't
afford the purchase price of pet store ferret, how on earth are you going
to take care of it when it becomes sick??  What happens if your ferret(s)
get poisoned?  Will you take him in for possibly expensive treatment, or
will you just let him suffer because you can't afford the treatment?  What
happens if he ingests a piece of sock or towel, or rubber?  will you be
able to afford the x-ray, and then surgery if needed?  This could run into
a $200 - $400 (modest estimate) bill.
 
If you don't think you can afford the additional $70 or so for a petstore
ferret (and your having to spay a breeder ferret negates that savings anyway
- if you found one that inexpensive), then what happens the first time your
ferret gets sick and at the very least needs and office visit ($25), blood
work ($40-50), injections ($10 or so), and medication ($5-10)??
 
Debbie Riccio
WNYFLFA
Western New York and Finger Lakes
   Ferret Association
Rochester, NY
[Posted in FML issue 1463]