Hi.  This is our first time posting on the FML, but we've been reading it
now for some time.  It's GREAT!!  We have a few questions about some of the
things that we have been reading lately though, and would like to see what
the rest of the ferret world has to say about them.
 
First, what is it with these vaccinations (1,2,3) for distemper.  When we
first got ferrets, a good ole yearly booster was all that was needed.  Has
that changed?  We'd do anything for out fuzzies, and if this is a necessary
step to take we will gladly take them to the vet for boosters more often.
This was the first that we've heard about the "new" shot series.  Anyone who
can clear this issue up for us, we would greatly appreciate you
information!!  Thanks.
 
Second, We currently reside in West Chester, PA about 20 miles west of
Philadelphia.  We have been thinking about starting a ferret club in the
area.  My wife is currently employed by a local family owned pet store, and
through this, we have found that there are a lot of ferrets in the West
Chester area, but to our knowledge, no ferret club.  We went to Ferret
Central on the Web, but this computer is SOOO OLD, that the browser is
giving us all kinds of trouble!!  Anyway, we tried to link to the "starting
a ferret club" link, but it wouldn't let us go, said it was "outdated, or
unavailable".  Again, anyone that has any info on either a currently active
club in this area or ideas on how to start a ferret club can reach us at
[log in to unmask]  Thanks a bunch.
 
Finally, as far as our fuzzies go, we've owned ferrets for about two years
now.  We always thought that it was normal for ferrets to have slightly wiry
coats until we started going to shows that is!!  We would love to know how
to get those thick, soft, silky coats.  We are currently feeding Totally
Ferret mixed with Innova Cat Food (Good stuff if you can get it), and use
pelleted paper litter (HiTor, Yesterday's News, etc. . . ) and supplement
with Ferretone and Safflower Oil mixed together (we've been told this is a
good idea by a couple of people).  We also use Nupro Ferret for about for
almost 2 months.  Don't get us wrong, their coats have improved, but not to
the extent we were hoping.  Any ideas/info on how to get those award winning
coats, would be greatly appreciated.
 
Boris, Natasha, Misha, and Ivan
and their humans, Chris and Tara
[Posted in FML issue 1960]