Actually, in my experience with MF -- back in 1995, they MF did suggest a
possible price of $60 per retired breeder plus shipping at $80 per crate.
(They would not even think of allowing transit other than by plane!)
According to the MF rep - the average number per crate were about 3 (based
on weight - and not many full grown fit within limits) so if you add an
addition $80 per crate divided by 3 ferrets that boosts the rescue price of
each jill to $86.66.
 
In running a shelter it would be defeating to expend that much money on a
ferret which would then require a rabies vaccination (required by Dept.  of
Agriculture in NH) and health check before adoption...... never mind the
costs of maintaining prior to finding and adoptive family.  It was a heroic
thought, but one which was quickly diffused by the rep from MF.  Anyone in
the Rockefeller family want to lend some change????
 
Alicia
a shelter Mom
[Posted in FML issue 2001]