>From:    Beth Stoker <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: Update at home & Color question
>There were a few that looked to be about 8 weeks in size, and by the
>feel of their teeth as they tried to rip my flesh from my hand.  They had
>a flatter face, not as long and tapered of a nose.  They were white with
>grayish markings (kinda like a sable ferret with calico cat spots) they had
>black eyes.  Well the sales girl said they were arctic ferrets and that
>they are $200 vs.  $139 because dark eyed whites were only about 1 in ten
>thousand.  Is it just me or is this girl doing some serious false
>advertising?  I have paid much attention to the colors - I like them all
 
-
>but I know I've never seen ferrets like this.  I've also never been bit
>like that.  Any ideas?
 
Well, the kits probably came from a private breeder as opposed to MF, PV,
Triple F, or another large provider.  The shorter faces indicates to me
either a kit younger than 8 weeks or a more of a bulldog type than the
typical whippet type.  The nipping is probably because they are hungry or
not properly socialized (probably not at all).  The kits could have food in
front of them, but if it doesn't have all the nutrients they need they will
still be hungry.  Possibility.
 
The sales girl probably was only repeating what the pet store had been told
by the breeder.  I am sure the pet store paid a higher price for these kits
because of the breeders false information.  If the ferrets have grey spots
(or any other color) they are not DEWs (they may roan out to be DEWs later
in life, tho).  It sounds to me like these are light silver patterned kits.
Coat colors on kits are very funny.  They go thru several different color
changes before they are 6 months old.  If possible, further inquire as to
where these kits came from.  I am very interested in knowing who is selling
"arctic" ferrets & why they are calling them that.
 
I am not sure on the stats on the DEWs - but I doubt it is 1 in ten thousand
(but that stat may be for that particular breeder).  I have gotten 5 out of
23 (when breeding for the DEW).  It is definitely a harder color to get.
 
Amy Flemming
Flemming Farms
http://www.geocities.com/heartland/ranch/9521
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[Posted in FML issue 2373]