As indicated, I did contact Marshall Pet Products (aka Marshall Farm a closely held corporation) and was contacted by a representative there. Understandably, the conversation took place over the phone rather than being reduced to writing to avoid possible misrepresentations. Although, it seems to me that putting down some of the facts could only help them, but then again I am not their PR firm. I had a long conversation with Pete Reed. Most of what I heard was about what I expected. Animal testing is still the norm, but accounts for only about 1% of there ferret population. There were no specifics on the population they currently have. Of these going into testing, it is all medical research and not cosmetics. According to Mr. Reed, some of the original rabies and distemper vaccines were developed through ferrets. He could not offer any details, but stated that a great many resources are going towards ECE research. After testing, some animals can be adopted out, but for obvious reasons a lot cannot. It is unfortunate, but animal testing is necessary, at least medically speaking. Marshall has a working relationship with many of the local vet schools in and around New York. Many times an adoption kit is sent out with the ferret so that it can find a home after it's term of service. Marshall also supplies a lot of the training materials for ferret education to both vets and the public. They currently have three full time vets on staff, with one more floating part time. Breeding conditions are proprietary information, but Mr. Reed said that new employees (often owners themselves) are amazed at the clean & comfortable environment. Again, there were no details on population, but it was enough to give them a closed colony (no new stock are introduced from outside). Each line is documented and breeding partners are swapped to reduce any serious inbreeding. Various techniques are used to create different quantity levels. Summer breeding is slowed down because many smaller breeders have litters come due at this time. In the winter, litters are increased to cover the market. Breeders are retired between 2-4 years depending on male or female and the quality of the kits. Retired breeders are often sent out to shelters to adopt out, incurring only the cost of freight. I would be interest to know if any shelters on the list have been recipients of such rescues. We discussed some health issues, but many of his remarks have been the same as those found on the list. Sometimes you get ferrets that live the normal 8-9, some times they get one up in the 12-13 and then there are the unfortunate ones we hear and share so much about that die way before their time. They are closed to the public for proprietary and health reasons, but are inspected by the USDA. I could not find any report on them (sorry Sukie I did check the archives) but I did find there client & cert number 2072 & 21-A-0008 respectively. We had an interesting discussion on ferret nutrition, but I am not about crack that one open again. Most of what was discussed can probably be found in the archives. While I can not vouch for Marshall (as I am not an insider) I found Mr. Reed to be helpful in answering my questions. He said he welcomes anyone who wishes to contact them to do so and he (or any of their reps) will be happy to answer questions. One final note, they do have a list of sellers that is searchable by zip code. I would encourage members to take a look at the ones in their area and check out the conditions. If you feel the need to report the seller to some authority for their treatment, I would also include a note to Marshall. While they can not be held responsible for those conditions, they can make responsible choices as to whom they supply. James, Melissa & Kassidy Loving: Bebe, Riley Missing: Wheezer, Pym, Rikki, Jako [Posted in FML issue 4181]