Good Morning,
Let me first address the MF ferret thing because once I heard this
"horrible" news I was mortified being a new ferret mommie and just
purchasing 2 MF ferrets from a local pet store that we love.  I was
devastated to say the least.  I got good and bad emails about this and
they made me think about alot of things.  You will hear both the good and
bad but let me tell you from my experience that my 2 boys who are now 4
1/2 & 5mo old are doing great.  They adjusted quite quickly to our home,
taught us a ton of things and get along great with the cats.
 
You see our house is quite full.  We have 13 cats in addition, one of
which practically lives with the ferrets as he is a rescue and has not
adapted to the rest of the house cats.  The ferrets now have a bedroom of
their own and are free roam in a ferret free room.  They have now moved
out into the hallway with a plexiglass barrier so the rest of the house
can see them and they can see out.  They have also moved into the front
bedroom when we are with them.  So they are totally adapted now.  I found
that MF ferrets to be quite loving, playful and very adaptable.  They got
a clean bill of health at the vet's last month and the only thing the
oldest has a cloudy eye which may develop a cataract.  This is not to say
that they won't get sick but if they do I am not blaming it on MF.  We had
an English Springer Spaniel dog 15 years ago that came from a reputable
private breeder who we met with, talked to, was a dog show judge and all.
This dog turned out to be nasty as well as loveable with none showable
teeth(could not show her)(we changed our mind about showing even before
we got her, too stressful) and then eventually breast cancer.  So you see
it does not matter who you go with or what you might hear it can happen
to anyone or any animal.  I think we need to look at the place they are
coming from, how they react to you, etc.  Listen to that inner voice and
stick to that feeling.  Don't let ferret love swing you if you hear a big
old no.  I know this might sound dumb but it worked with these guys.  We
knew nothing about ferrets when we went to the store as we were going for
guinea pigs.  We were pulled to the ferrets which we had seen a few weeks
before but did not get them.  From that day on I vowed to learn everything
from them.  My guys are loveable snooky bums, fun as all heck and we love
them.  We play with them, get down on the floor and run with them.  They
are very active and we love them.  I feel that free roam in a safe room
with full access to their cage was a good choice.  People come to our
house and cannot believe how friendly our ferrets are but we keep them
social animals.
 
They are entitled to a good life as well.  Our cats are the same way.  We
have one kitten now that is a cuddle bug but for the most part our cats
rule the house and they play rough.  They have cat houses, yes houses, and
whatever else they want.  The ferrets are no different.  So if your friend
plans on a ferret MF or not let her know what she is getting herself in
for.  It is a long time commitment and I feel that if you are not ready to
make the step then don't get them.  Our guys sure taught us a few things.
In fact ferret math is taking over our brains as we may be getting a
little girl this week.  Not sure yet we shall see and if I know I will
post it.  Best to you and sorry this was so long.
 
Love & ferret angel hugs
Debbie
[Posted in FML issue 3607]