I have been following Bob's posts very carefully because I have always believed that the early alterations of ferrets at ferret mills has shortened the life span of the animals. Where are you getting your research from? Environmental factors? Please elaborate more. I don't know much about you, so that is why I am curious where this new research is coming from. It does not matter to me whether you are a vet or a scientist or what your credentials are, I just want to know where this information was derived from. Some of the greatest inventors have stumbled across information that scientists have missed so just because one is not a doctor, vet or scientist, does not automatically exclude them from having some great insight. I am really interested in finding out more about this new information. I have been reading on almost all the lists I get that a particular breeder had a hob surgically altered to become a v-hob. The vet apparently told them that this same hob could still be potent for awhile (that is what this breeder posted anyway) so this breeder put the hob in the same cage with a jill and a "mistake" happened. My question is this, why would you knowingly do this if the vet warned against it? Why would you tell everyone that you are not breeding ferrets any more and then do something to the contrary claiming it was a mistake? I would think that an experienced breeder (or even inexperienced and warned by the vet) would know better than to try this. It is very confusing to read about. If there are breeders out there with v-hobs, I would like to know how long a v-hob can still remain potent. I am not a breeder, but this aroused my curiosity. Also, how come most vets I know of wont perform this surgery? Is it particularly dangerous to the ferret? Just curious is all. And finally, Marley goes in for descenting on Tuesday because of his impaction. I am freaked out by all of this! I have heard so many bad things and risky things about this procedure that scare me. Please keep Marley in your thoughts that day. I will keep everyone posted on the results. Keep fuzzy! [Posted in FML issue 2974]