I should be working on my income tax return right now (the non-US subscribers
on the FML can stop laughing now), so what better diversion than to comment on
some issues brought up in the previous FML:
 
Vegetable based litter:  There are, at the very least, pellets sold made of
pressed bark, pressed alfalfa, crushed corn cobs, as well as sawdust-based
litter products.  I've used them all with some animal or another, but with
ferrets I've used the bark and the alfalfa with fine results.  Currently I
mix the bark or the alfalfa with clay litter as well, roughly 50-50, perhaps
thinking I'll get the best (and worst?) qualities of each that way.  In fact,
some folks simply use the alfalfa pellet rabbit FOOD as litter!  It is very
inexpensive when purchased in bulk from feed stores, works great, and is
flushable.  I don't use corn cob litter (I think they'd chew on it) nor the
sawdust (most of it has cedar oil).
 
Taurine: In cats taurine is necessary for proper heart function.  I don't find
anything suggesting the same is true in ferrets, but some studies (Kawasaki in
JSEAM) link lack of taurine to retinal disorders. Then again, some poor ferrets
are raised on dog food (which doesn't usually contain taurine) and their vision
seems to be just fine, but since there is certainly SOME evidence that it is
necessary, why risk it?   Luckily, nearly all cat foods contain taurine, often
listed by the "more correct" name, L-taurine.
 
Humane society: Yes, some humane societies are very closed-minded about some
things.  I've heard LOTS of horror stories.  But there are a few things to
consider.  Firstly, often the management at your nearby humane society shelter
is a very local thing, and it's important to get them educated about ferrets.
More importantly tough: the National Humane Society, which formerly did not
deal with ferrets has pretty much turned around.  For example, this is the
third year that ferret organizations will be allowed to participate in their
national convention.  So, in two weeks animal control people from all over the
place will have opportunities to learn about ferrets from some of the real
champs, like S.T.A.R*, AFA and FFIRC.  It's very encouraging that education
efforts are beginning to pay off here.  Yes, there's a long way to go with
some local chapters - and not only about ferrets IMHO - but let's keep trying.
 
Yeah, I'll be there too in 2 weeks, as will a lot of other FMLers.  What the
heck, it's near Disney World...  and back to where I came in: maybe some of
it will be tax deductable... hmmm....
 
Bill
[Posted in FML issue 1138]