here's my letter sent via edocket to USDA/APHIS I am happy to hear that APHIS is considering changes in reference to ferrets from ferret farms to pet stores. This has been a long time coming as too many ferret farms/breeders are sending out babies to pet stores for sale at ages less than 8 weeks of age. As shelter/breeder licensed by USDA/APHIS, I feel that changes such as the following should be considered and enforced: 1. Restrictions on age of no younger than 8 weeks of age should be set. Many kits are still weaning off of my at ages younger than 8 weeks. Pet Stores are receving kits at 5 weeks of age when their diet should be soft food/wet food. These kits are being feed hard kibble which may cause prolaspe rectum among other health concerns since their bodies are not matured to handle hard food at that age. 2. Restrictions on the limit of ferrets shipped in a crate. I have seen up to 25 in a wooden crate 12 X 12 with pine shavings. Ferrets should not have to walk on each other and should have adequate room. 3. The elimination of pine, aspen or cedar shavings. These shavings can cause respiratory conditions. 4. All kits should be shipped with at least 1 distemper shot along with a paper explaining that in the first year a series of 3 shots are required. Notifying the new owner and/or pet store that 2 more shots are due. 5. The ferrets should be health certified by a vet prior to leaving for shipping. 6. Adequate food and water should be supplied to the ferrets at all times whether during shipping, at the farm, at the breeder, at the pet store, etc. 7. An inspection of the facilities should be done quarterly due to the vast number of ferrets being exported to Pet Stores. Thank you very much for your time and consideration. Should you want further input on my experiences over the past 15 years, please feel free to email me at [log in to unmask] Sincerely, Dawn Smith [Posted in FML issue 4972]