Mary Jane Frank wrote:
>I checked the label and thought 40% protein level was awful high and, sure
>enough, when I asked the GCFA's shelter vet (Dr. Richard Nye of Midwest
>Bird & Exotic Animal Hospital), he agreed.  Too high a protein level can
>cause kidney problems.
 
I have a problem with that statement.  1st, animal protein in a ferret diet
cannot be too high, IMHO (Me humble???!!!) I feed my ferrets live mice..
what is that, 60% or higher protein??!  Secondly, if one were to look at
the percentages I listed for Mazuri, one would find the percentage of
protein to be at 38% and the percentage of crude protein in Totally Ferret
at 36%.
 
I would really like to hear more facts on this 'crude protein' percentage
comment.  Not personal opinion, some hard facts and observations from
people in the know..like some of the noted ferret 'experts' out there..
the vets, researchers, Bob C., etc.
 
Mia Emery wrote:
>Due to the overwhelming negative response I received to my post that due
>to my unexpected pregnancy we were wishing to place our retired breeders
>ASAP, including numerous flames (How dare I get pregnant) and 3 suggestions
>that I get an abortion so that I may better devote my time to the ferrets.
 
Hmmmm...First off, I simply can't imagine anyone being so crass as to
suggest you get an abortion.  I can see someone saying it a (very poorly
conceived one) joke.  Mia, you have a tendency to be over sensitive to
comments made to or about you.  Are you sure you are reading what people
have said, accurately??  I am sitting here in shock that **anyone** would
condemn you for being pregnant.
 
Being pregnant takes up a lot of time and energy...specially in the last
trimester.  I can understand why one would wish to cut back on unneeded
burdens..like reducing the number of ferrets in-house.
 
>We are closing our doors, I no longer wish to be a part of a community
>that can't even be kind for the sake of the animals that we are all
>supposed to care about.
 
Running a shelter is **NOT** being a part of a community.  It is a selfless
act of caring on an individual basis.  If you really want to get out of the
shelter/breeding environment, don't lay it off against the general ferret
enthusiast population..we are not your detractors.
 
If the business of running a shelter/breeding operation is too much while
you are pregnant, I, and I suspect, most all of us, understand that, and
can support your decision to stop or cut back, but please, don't name us as
the reason for your decision to quit.  *WE* had nothing to do with it.
 
>(Sorry to say it, but my 'miracle baby' is far more important to me than
>any four footed furry)
 
As well it should be!
 
Gentle readers, note that Mia is in the Northwest for those of you
considering one of her fuzzies.
 
Mia, I say to you, CONGRATULATIONS on your pregnancy.  I hope all proceeds
with no complications and major discomforts to you!  And may your labor be
only 5 minutes!  (Your husband will appreciate that!  Heh!  I know I really
appreciated the very short labor times my wife had with all of our brood!)
 
For our ferrets (And Mia this time 'round!)
 
MC, The Rude One
(With Garret, Snorkle, and Tuzigoot.  In spirit, Bubba and Billy-Bob)
[Posted in FML issue 2873]