We purchased 9 ferrets over the course of 5 years.  I've bought Marshall
ferrets and Ruby ferrets.  Marshalls have 2 green dots in one of their
ears for idenfication reasons.  They tend to be smaller in size.  Ruby
are much larger.  If we had a rescue close to us we'd go their instead.
 
I use a lot of critera when buying from a pet store.  I look at what
food their eating, their litter habits, their age and size.  When I'm
holding them I check their teeth to make sure their all there and in
good order.  I don't like discolored teeth.  That's not a good sign.
Also I check their sex organs to determine their gender.  Most workers
don't know ferrets and don't check them.  Plus their feet are important
for the reason of broken toes or missing nails.  This is also not good.
Palpating their organs and inspecting their eyes are very important.
After checking all the fuzzies I watch their behavior in the cage with
their litter mates.  I usually go for the craziest one.  Very latharic
ferrets are a red flag.  The ferrets should be very active.
 
Our pet store gives the ferrets records and give one vet visit for free.
This visit must be within 24hrs.  of purchasing the fuzzy.  Also this vet
has seen the ferrets for their 1st and 2nd shots.  The fuzzies at the
store are not up for sale until they are a certain weight and age.  They
like to wait until their almost 13-14 weeks.
 
Also as a side note, when you go to a pet store notice if they'll just
let anyone hold a fuzzy.  They should be forced to santize their hands!
The price of ferrets varies from $139 to $170 in my area.
 
If you have anyother questions feel free to ask....
 
Andria Ludwig
Michigan State University
[Posted in FML issue 5093]