This post is forwarded to the FML in hopes that our educated ferret folks
can exert some of their considerable might on the mail order catalog put
out in the name of "DOCTORS FOSTER & SMITH" (as done recently with
Ferretstore and Ferret Depot) in attempting to have inferior or harmful
food and treat items removed from availability, or at best educating
retail establishments and the general public as to what is appropriate
to feed our little OBLIGATE CARNIVOROUS MUSTELA PUTORIOUS FUROS....
 
If anyone has not seen the catalog put out by these people, you can call
for one 1 800 323 4208 or 1 800 443 1160 or Email drsfostersmith.com ...
I was surprised to say the least that some items offered in this catalog
are well known to be harmful to ferrets, and yet the catalog touts
"selected by our veterinarians" ... I have yet to receive any response
to the below comments from the catalog customer service, I don't expect
any, and I am not surprised.  I hope FLMers can help take the bit in
their teeth and exert some kind of influence...
 
[FJ]
 
--------- Forwarded message ----------
 
 To: [log in to unmask]
 Date: Mon, 23 Aug 2005 21:20:02 -0400
 Subject: supplies for small pets catalog --- comments as follows
 
Greetings.
 
In perusing your most recent catalog which made my mailbox today, I
see supplies and information offered for FERRETS that I find VERY
disconcerting.
 
(1) FOOD AND TREATS
 
Offered food - Marshall Farms Actually one of the least recommended
foods: This food has as it's third ingredient, CORN .  Starch,
carbohydrates and sugar naturally found in corn is one of the worst thing
to be included in a ferret's diet.  Sugars can trigger overproduction of
insulin which can contribute to formation of pancreatic tumors resulting
in hypoglycemia - this is a potentially (and eventually) fatal condition
manageable in the short term with prescription medications (prednisone)
or surgery - called insulinoma .  Other cancers common in these animals
are fed by carbohydrates and starches and if the goal is to provide an
obligate carnivore what they need most - meat , then there are other MUCH
better quality foods to offer to help maintain good health.
 
TREATS I am amazed that a VET would suggest that giving a FERRET sugary
fruits and poor quality kibble as found in ULTRA-BLEND FERRET TREATS (for
that matter, ANY Ultra-Blend product and just as poor a choice is KAYTEE
FIESTA) is appropriate - This type of offering is a common cause for
intestinal blockages due to pieces of fruit that can lodge in the
intestinal tract... surgery is the ONLY solution- Otherwise an extremely
painful death.  Other treat items that are poor choices are yogurt drops-
loaded with sugars raisins - also loaded with sugars, and now, recent
research is suggesting that as much as 1/2 of a raisin given as a treat
can be poisonous.  Marshall Farms is NOT the only supplier of SENIOR
FERRET DIETS on the market ...
 
(2) Also, in your SMALL PET PROFILE: FERRETS is stated that ferrets are
low maintenance ... this is the most absurd thing I have heard to date...
I have owned and rescued ferrets since they became legal in Massachusetts
in 1996... I am also a member of MASSACHUSETTS FERRET FRIENDS and I can
tell you from long long experience that these animals are the most care
intensive of anything I have ever owned.  From the time they are infants
to- if they are lucky- normal old age, they are comparable to having a
perpetual 2 year old child in your house.  And if they are not lucky
and become ill with insulinoma, adrenal disease or lymphoma - the more
common ailments - care to keep them comfortable, medicated, hydrated and
appropriately well fed can be 24/7 process.  These animals need proper
ear care - cleaning and mite prevention properly done at least every 2
weeks, along with nail clipping, also every 2 weeks, their bedding (NOT
THE FERRET) must be washed at a minimum of every 2 weeks to prevent odor,
litter boxes cleaned EVERY DAY NO CLAY OR PAPER LITTER PLEASE... Woody
Pet or Wood Pellets are best (also environmentally safe)
 
COME ON, PEOPLE - do your research - INFORMATION AND PRODUCTS OFFERED TO
THE PUBLIC BY YOUR SALE FLYER IS INCORRECT IN MANY WAYS ... NOT ONLY DOES
IT INSURE IMPROPER CARE AND FEEDING FOR THESE DELICATE ANIMALS, BUT IT
INSURES THAT MORE PEOPLE WILL THINK THAT THAT TINY LITTLE FERRET BABY IN
THE STORE WOULD BE JUST THE PERFECT GIFT FOR THE FAMILY CHILD - NO REAL
CARE NECESSARY --- and THAT TINY LITTLE FERRET BABY IS GOING TO GROW UP
MISTREATED, MALNOURISHED, AND MORE THAN LIKELY ILL WITH SOME DISEASE THAT
MIGHT HAVE BEEN PREVENTED IF CARE AND MAINTENANCE HAD BEEN CORRECT IN THE
FIRST PLACE.  Do yourselves a favor - try looking at the FERRET DEPOT
site ... get educated.
[Posted in FML issue 4985]