>If you're considering two, why not start with a shelter ferret.  It is
>much easier to start ferrethood with an already trained ferret.  You could
>get a kit a few months down the road (from a pet store or shelter- just
>let the shelter tell you when they get in young rescues)
 
YES!  Excellent idea.  I strongly feel that all newbies should adopt an
older ferret first.  Also, I do feel and trust that shelter operators are
excellent at matching a ferret with an owner.  In addition, shelter
operators can provide good sources of information on ferrets, etc...that,
time and again, pet stores have proven cannot.  All the posts about this
(Heather W. and Anne Ryan, et al...have been really great!)
 
I don't know who posted this, but I must comment on mast cell tumors.  A
mast cell tumor is usually very easy to remove and it should be sent to
a lab for testing.  Most (not all) "mast cell tumors" turn out to be
harmless BUT you never know.  My vet recommends having it tested and I
believe Dr. Williams does as well.  I had a mast cell tumor removed from
my first ferret and it was nothing.  Occasionally, a mast cell tumor can
reappear in the exact same spot and still be benign.  It does appear to
make a ferret itch and ferrets have been known to chew on them which could
lead to an infection.  I recommend having it removed and tested.  Again,
it is a fairly simple procedure.  I recommend emailing Dr. Williams with
your concerns, as I am NOT a vet.  I just thought I would share my
experiences with mast cell tumors.
 
Also, I have seen many posts lately about ferrets at various Petcos having
health problems, etc...  I am still trying to speak with the ferret buyer,
Craig Parsons, but he is "too busy" to return calls.  In the meantime, I
would very much appreciate it if all those who have had fairly recent
problems with Petco and ferrets could email me privately and describe the
situation(s).  It would be even better in the format of a letter.  Please
include the store you are referring to and dates of your encounters (if
possible).  I am in the process of composing a log that will be distributed
to Petco higher-ups with a plea for Petco to quit selling ferrets.  Even
if you don't agree with the idea of them stopping the sale of ferrets,
you could at least help the welfare of the ferrets in these stores by
submitting your experiences to me.  I have plenty from my area and need
more from other areas of the country.
 
I went all over to three different grocery stores to find chicken necks...
nobody had any and told me that they don't get necks, just the already
"dissected" chickens.  There is a chicken processing plant in my area, so
I will have to try there.  I'll be sticking my neck out to find these!
LOL!
[Posted in FML issue 3693]