Thanks to all of you for the information on tattoos, and MF and Petco, and distribution centers. I would hope that the MF distribution centers only allow MF ferrets. If there is reason to believe that is not true, I would also find that interesting. Apparently then, the guarantees from MF that are to go with the batch of same age ferrets is just jumbled with other guarantees of other batches of ferrets by the MF distributors and/or Petco distributors at specific sites or in most or all--We do not appear to know which that would be. So the ferret could be younger or older than indicated by the guarantee. And at centers where ferrets are all jumbled up together? Anyone could have companies gaurantee? I cannot belive that people careful to raise ferrets free of any contageous diseases would send their ferrets off to a distribution site where ferrets are all clumped together with small and large breeders. Did I understand that correctly? What state and store was this connected with-if this is true? I have called several distributors, but not had a phone call back yet. I have had people call the office not leaving a name. Could be one of them. Do not know. If I ever reach one and learn anything useful, I will let you all know. Thank you all again for helping to educate me. Lisette [Posted in FML issue 3802]