As indicated, I did contact Marshall Pet Products (aka Marshall Farm a
closely held corporation) and was contacted by a representative there.
Understandably, the conversation took place over the phone rather than
being reduced to writing to avoid possible misrepresentations. Although,
it seems to me that putting down some of the facts could only help them,
but then again I am not their PR firm. I had a long conversation with
Pete Reed. Most of what I heard was about what I expected. Animal
testing is still the norm, but accounts for only about 1% of there ferret
population. There were no specifics on the population they currently
have. Of these going into testing, it is all medical research and not
cosmetics. According to Mr. Reed, some of the original rabies and
distemper vaccines were developed through ferrets. He could not offer
any details, but stated that a great many resources are going towards
ECE research. After testing, some animals can be adopted out, but for
obvious reasons a lot cannot. It is unfortunate, but animal testing is
necessary, at least medically speaking.
Marshall has a working relationship with many of the local vet schools
in and around New York. Many times an adoption kit is sent out with the
ferret so that it can find a home after it's term of service. Marshall
also supplies a lot of the training materials for ferret education to
both vets and the public. They currently have three full time vets on
staff, with one more floating part time.
Breeding conditions are proprietary information, but Mr. Reed said that
new employees (often owners themselves) are amazed at the clean &
comfortable environment. Again, there were no details on population, but
it was enough to give them a closed colony (no new stock are introduced
from outside). Each line is documented and breeding partners are swapped
to reduce any serious inbreeding. Various techniques are used to create
different quantity levels. Summer breeding is slowed down because many
smaller breeders have litters come due at this time. In the winter,
litters are increased to cover the market. Breeders are retired between
2-4 years depending on male or female and the quality of the kits.
Retired breeders are often sent out to shelters to adopt out, incurring
only the cost of freight. I would be interest to know if any shelters on
the list have been recipients of such rescues. We discussed some health
issues, but many of his remarks have been the same as those found on the
list. Sometimes you get ferrets that live the normal 8-9, some times
they get one up in the 12-13 and then there are the unfortunate ones we
hear and share so much about that die way before their time.
They are closed to the public for proprietary and health reasons, but
are inspected by the USDA. I could not find any report on them (sorry
Sukie I did check the archives) but I did find there client & cert number
2072 & 21-A-0008 respectively.
We had an interesting discussion on ferret nutrition, but I am not about
crack that one open again. Most of what was discussed can probably be
found in the archives.
While I can not vouch for Marshall (as I am not an insider) I found Mr.
Reed to be helpful in answering my questions. He said he welcomes anyone
who wishes to contact them to do so and he (or any of their reps) will be
happy to answer questions.
One final note, they do have a list of sellers that is searchable by zip
code. I would encourage members to take a look at the ones in their area
and check out the conditions. If you feel the need to report the seller
to some authority for their treatment, I would also include a note to
Marshall. While they can not be held responsible for those conditions,
they can make responsible choices as to whom they supply.
James, Melissa & Kassidy
Loving: Bebe, Riley
Missing: Wheezer, Pym, Rikki, Jako
[Posted in FML issue 4181]
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