>Okay... with all the discussion on breeding, here's my question. >How am I to find a reputable breeder? Ask beforehand about seeing copies of the lines' health and longevity records (and not only of the ferrets they kept) and about speaking with others who have ferrets from the line. Don't assume that just because one ferret, a few ferrets, or one line there are long lived that all will be, and since some people tend to assume upwards on ferret ages see if the records include vet records to check for age as well as health. If people make a claim which just plain doesn't make sense such as not having any malignancies in their ferrets or not having any medical problems with neural crest genetics get it in writing along with the person's agreement to pay for any medical needs, testing, or behavioral needs for the ferret's lifetime. Basics of genetics do not take a holiday for anyone, variable expression or handicaps is not a personal exemption, and while it may be possible to lower some rates of common sets of illnesses such as the many malignancies mammals can get the risk is not totally eliminated. As the old saying goes, "If something seems to good to be true, it probably isn't." That doesn't prevent some people from self-delusion because they so badly want to be the select one breeder who beat the basics of biology, and it doesn't prevent others from lying. Check out the facility. Talk with the treating vet (and compare the number the vet treats with what you think may be the total number of ferrets there since some abusers get care only for the minority of ferrets. See about having a vet check-up by a vet your select yourself before finalization. If you know the person you may choose to go for personal trust first of all. That's your call on each one independently. Check out the ferret yourself. Search in various websites and through search engines to see if perhaps the person has been in trouble for animal abuse which is obviously a very bad sign. Alternatively, adopt one from a shelter you trust and know that if the little one has serious problems, well at least you gave him or her a chance that would never have existed otherwise by providing love, a good home, and regular vet care. [P.S.] One more thing: Also see if the breeder has the appropriate license/permit, a breeders' one instead of just a hobbyist one. Not all states require that for breeding but many do and in those states there are sometimes attached requirements, inspections, and proof of veterinary care. It's more that a breeder who is in a state which requires a breeder's license or permit might be hiding something if the person goes for a hobbyist permit only (as happened in one abuse case in this state) or has no permit or license at all. So, that could be a warning flag because there might be garage or shed somewhere stacked with filthy, tiny cages and malnourished breeders rife with tumors. It's happened before too many times. In one case in juxtaposition to those suffering ferrets the person had show ribbons on a table. Sick, huh? [Posted in FML issue 4680]