The following post is rather harsh - please skip if you do not want to be
horrified.
 
===   scabby necks and mixing unalters
 
From:    Kim Hastings <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Scabby necks -- is this a problem?
 
Kim - what will probably happen is this:
 
The males will mate with the females (inbreed - if they are from the same
breeder they are probably related and many of them litter mates).  The
females if left in the tanks will possibly re absorb the kits and they will
not be born.  Those that are born will be eaten by the mother to "protect"
the kits or be eaten by the males because the males want the females to mate
again.  If the females are removed from the males and kept alone, the kits
might have a chance at living, but will be so genetically screwed up that
they will make lousy pets.  If the staff has not been able to sell the
ferrets they have now, they will not be much more successful then with the
kits.  If they have not had the time to handle the adults, then the kits
will be just as bad, if not worse, in biting.
 
this pet shop needs to be reported to the local animal control group.  If
they do not have a breeding license or a USDA permit, they can not breed
animals for resale like ferrets (I believe this is correct, but check first).
 
Keep an eye on the jills that are not mated - they might become anemic and
die.  Then you can really report the shop.  They need to be pet educated and
know how to care for living beings.
 
Pamela Troutman Grant
[Posted in FML issue 1869]