I have been doing alot of research lately on Marshall Farms.  Out of
curiosity, I decided to email them to ask if they would allow me to dispel
some of the bad publicity they have received in regards to their practices.
I told them that I am very active in the ferret community (true) and that I
would really like to be able to give a good report back to all the people I
associate with about how Marshall Farms keeps their ferrets.  Following is
the response.
 
They write:
Thank you for writing Marshall Pet Products.
 
Unfortunately, because ferrets are susceptible to influenza and other
common respiratory diseases, we do not give regular tours of the farm.
We are looking at safe ways to conduct regular tours of our facility in
the future.
 
To find out more about Marshall Pet Products and Marshall Ferrets, please
visit our website at www.marshallpet.com.  Please contact us if you have
further questions, or would like more information.
 
I'm sorry that we could not assist you further.
 
With best regards,
 
Mary @ Marshall Pet Products.
Customer Service Dept.
www.marshallpet.com
 
This was the response I expected.  I can understand the concerns over
diseases but they are fully aware that there are SAFE ways to conduct
these visits.  It is simply an excuse.
 
In conclusion, I am trying very hard to make a difference for these animals.
The only way I have come up with to "make a dent" in the profits of these
large breeding farms is to put together a website where breeders from all
areas or the US, can post all of their stock and have a simple order form
available for these large chain stores to order from (I am told that is the
main reason they go through these farms; the convenience of "one-stop
shopping).  Then, I would team with a vet(s) (possibly a chain) to give a
discount or some type of rebate for spaying/neutering (at the right time,
when sex organs have matured).  The new owner would take the certificate
(with birthdate of ferret) into the vet and have the procedure performed.
I would very much like to see these pet stores use reputable breeders with
healthy ferrets.  I think this could cut down on some of the health
problems later in life.  THIS IS THE ONLY WAY I HAVE THOUGHT OF TO HELP
STOP THE INSANITY.  I would definitely need help since I am not a web
designer, but I do have the marketing skills it would take to get this
going (I put Marketing Programs together for radio stations).
 
If anyone has any ideas or any better ideas than this, I would love to hear
them.
 
On another note: I think the moderator of this board does an outstanding
job!  He stays neutral, which is very important as a moderator.  I wish the
moderator of the last board I was a member of, would have taken some notes
(he recently resigned).
 
Dooks to All!
 
Danielle, Rastaferretin and Cleo "the dutchess of DOOK"
[Posted in FML issue 2712]