Hi All - Matan does exist, at least on the phone... He is idealistic, ignorant and opinionated. And very young... As for the demand for ferrets in Israel, there is very little demand at this point, especially by knowledgeable people. Most places are stopping their breeding programs because they can't sell the ferrets. And don't even think about making money from ferret breeding. Won't happen. Remember, here, most ferrets are sold whole and they breed (and/or die) fairly quickly. I can't count the number of rescues, rejected, abandoned etc ferrets I have handled over the last 3 years. For the last 2 years, the zoo has sold only fixed ferrets, with all 3 distemper and full rabies vaccinations, with microchip for about $40. The reason was so people wouldn't go out and buy whole animals from other sources. This spring however, we spayed and neutered all of ours, so no more. Most of the area breeders have also stopped breeding. It's mostly the privates, like Matan who still want to breed. Am getting burnt out quickly as it is so frustrating to deal with the kind of attitude you are seeing in Matan. Believe me, his belief is more common than the idea that spaying/neutering is the best option. Our latest hassle is with a vet who announced publicly that ferrets don't need distemper shots! You don't even what to ask about attiitudes toward proper housing and feeding. Gee, can you tell, I'm a bit frustrated <read bitter> ??? Back to lurk mode, Bev from Jerusalem Beverly Burge Section Head - Hospital/Quarantine Medical Registrar Tisch Family Zoological Gardens in Jerusalem Fax: 972-2-642-1655 Phone: 972-2-675-0140 [Posted in FML issue 3452]