Bailey wrote: >As I read the last several issues of the FML, I thought it was a >real shame the USDA couldn't read about how many ferrets are in the >overfilled shelters all across this country and Canada, as well. And >read how high the vet bills are for those many shelters and how many >other ferrets are waiting on additional funds so they can have surgery >or medicines or implants. Well, actually, they CAN. USDA/APHIS would like to know how it impacts people as well as ferrets when kits are sold and shipped at ages below 8 weeks, and this INCLUDES SHELTERS who get in these kits later on with their medical and behavioral needs that derive from being sold before they are socialized and before they are developed enough to eat and digest well the food they were given. Personally, I suspect that having a minimal shipping age of 8 weeks would help shelters. Kits who are stronger and more socialized are going to be less likely to be too much for those who buy them, especially novices, so they would be more likely to be kept by their purchasers. If seeing how active an 8 week old kit is cuts down the impulse purchasing of those novices who see a 5 week old and think that ferrets are lumps who can be confined to cages all the time, then so much the better as far as I am concerned. So, let them know! Shelter parents, I know that you are horribly busy, but one letter from each of you -- just one letter -- would go so far toward helping these ferrets and I believe also ultimately helping you. If they see that this causes a burden, including an economic burden, it helps get the improvements. The USDA does NOT regulate small breeders and those who sell directly to purchasers instead of to retail, BTW, so the only way this is going to affect breeders will be to let you not cry about the 5 week old kits in pet stores. Your comments on the state of development of these 5 week olds would also sure help. Anyone who doesn't have special knowledge but want to help these kits: you can point out that you are tired of reading about sick kits who are too young in pet stores or seeing them there, about ferrets dying in transit, etc. To end the sad frustrations of too many years throughout the U.S. this effort needs numbers as well as helpful comments, so sending just a few sentences on your part truly does matter. It you thought that you don't matter; you are wrong because you do matter! These will help you help ferrets in lasting way all over the U.S.A.: http://www.ferretcongress.org/USDA/sampleletters.html and http://www.ferret.org/news/2005-08-13-a.htm and http://www.ferretcongress.org/USDA/USDA.htm Sending my hopes that all shelters, FML members, and ferrets, and other loved ones from the hurricane region are safe. [Posted in FML issue 4985]