This post is forwarded to the FML in hopes that our educated ferret folks can exert some of their considerable might on the mail order catalog put out in the name of "DOCTORS FOSTER & SMITH" (as done recently with Ferretstore and Ferret Depot) in attempting to have inferior or harmful food and treat items removed from availability, or at best educating retail establishments and the general public as to what is appropriate to feed our little OBLIGATE CARNIVOROUS MUSTELA PUTORIOUS FUROS.... If anyone has not seen the catalog put out by these people, you can call for one 1 800 323 4208 or 1 800 443 1160 or Email drsfostersmith.com ... I was surprised to say the least that some items offered in this catalog are well known to be harmful to ferrets, and yet the catalog touts "selected by our veterinarians" ... I have yet to receive any response to the below comments from the catalog customer service, I don't expect any, and I am not surprised. I hope FLMers can help take the bit in their teeth and exert some kind of influence... [FJ] --------- Forwarded message ---------- To: [log in to unmask] Date: Mon, 23 Aug 2005 21:20:02 -0400 Subject: supplies for small pets catalog --- comments as follows Greetings. In perusing your most recent catalog which made my mailbox today, I see supplies and information offered for FERRETS that I find VERY disconcerting. (1) FOOD AND TREATS Offered food - Marshall Farms Actually one of the least recommended foods: This food has as it's third ingredient, CORN . Starch, carbohydrates and sugar naturally found in corn is one of the worst thing to be included in a ferret's diet. Sugars can trigger overproduction of insulin which can contribute to formation of pancreatic tumors resulting in hypoglycemia - this is a potentially (and eventually) fatal condition manageable in the short term with prescription medications (prednisone) or surgery - called insulinoma . Other cancers common in these animals are fed by carbohydrates and starches and if the goal is to provide an obligate carnivore what they need most - meat , then there are other MUCH better quality foods to offer to help maintain good health. TREATS I am amazed that a VET would suggest that giving a FERRET sugary fruits and poor quality kibble as found in ULTRA-BLEND FERRET TREATS (for that matter, ANY Ultra-Blend product and just as poor a choice is KAYTEE FIESTA) is appropriate - This type of offering is a common cause for intestinal blockages due to pieces of fruit that can lodge in the intestinal tract... surgery is the ONLY solution- Otherwise an extremely painful death. Other treat items that are poor choices are yogurt drops- loaded with sugars raisins - also loaded with sugars, and now, recent research is suggesting that as much as 1/2 of a raisin given as a treat can be poisonous. Marshall Farms is NOT the only supplier of SENIOR FERRET DIETS on the market ... (2) Also, in your SMALL PET PROFILE: FERRETS is stated that ferrets are low maintenance ... this is the most absurd thing I have heard to date... I have owned and rescued ferrets since they became legal in Massachusetts in 1996... I am also a member of MASSACHUSETTS FERRET FRIENDS and I can tell you from long long experience that these animals are the most care intensive of anything I have ever owned. From the time they are infants to- if they are lucky- normal old age, they are comparable to having a perpetual 2 year old child in your house. And if they are not lucky and become ill with insulinoma, adrenal disease or lymphoma - the more common ailments - care to keep them comfortable, medicated, hydrated and appropriately well fed can be 24/7 process. These animals need proper ear care - cleaning and mite prevention properly done at least every 2 weeks, along with nail clipping, also every 2 weeks, their bedding (NOT THE FERRET) must be washed at a minimum of every 2 weeks to prevent odor, litter boxes cleaned EVERY DAY NO CLAY OR PAPER LITTER PLEASE... Woody Pet or Wood Pellets are best (also environmentally safe) COME ON, PEOPLE - do your research - INFORMATION AND PRODUCTS OFFERED TO THE PUBLIC BY YOUR SALE FLYER IS INCORRECT IN MANY WAYS ... NOT ONLY DOES IT INSURE IMPROPER CARE AND FEEDING FOR THESE DELICATE ANIMALS, BUT IT INSURES THAT MORE PEOPLE WILL THINK THAT THAT TINY LITTLE FERRET BABY IN THE STORE WOULD BE JUST THE PERFECT GIFT FOR THE FAMILY CHILD - NO REAL CARE NECESSARY --- and THAT TINY LITTLE FERRET BABY IS GOING TO GROW UP MISTREATED, MALNOURISHED, AND MORE THAN LIKELY ILL WITH SOME DISEASE THAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN PREVENTED IF CARE AND MAINTENANCE HAD BEEN CORRECT IN THE FIRST PLACE. Do yourselves a favor - try looking at the FERRET DEPOT site ... get educated. [Posted in FML issue 4985]