My comments about: >From: Sandaili <[log in to unmask]> > >I believe the bridge used to get less traffic, but nowadays, the >lifespan of Marshall Farms ferrets seems to have been halved almost, >with a lucky few of mine still surviving into old age. Most of mine >were all born the 2000-2006 years, purchased in Michigan from Petco. To start with I have four Fuzzies, Daisy my first and a Marshall Farms Ferret 4 1/2 years old, then Jasper also Marshall Farms, a return at a petco store and an Albino which I had to have. Then Herbie a Marshall Farms Ferret given to me by the Oregon Ferret Shelter. Fourth is Olivia the cutest Angora also given to me by the Oregon Ferret Shelter. She of course is not! a Marshall Ferret, but of Finnish decent. For a period I did feed them Marshalls Ferret Kibbles, but since switched to a high quality Ferret kibble blend of two brands. I find they eat less of it as it is more nourishing to them. That equalizes the higher cost of the food. I lost one Ferret, a beautiful Cinnamon Ferret to Cancer and at a young age. She was a Marshall, and raised on Marshall food with the dreaded BHA preservative. Regarding Petco, be aware they no longer sell Marshall Ferrets and now get them from a Canadian Breeder. Anytime I am near a Petco store I must stop in for a Ferret Fix. You become aware the Ferrets they now have are much different than the Marshalls they had, they are healthier, more active, and begging to be taken out and handled, and just love it. Try it... I did send Petco an inquiry about the Canadian Ferret thing but did not receive a reply. Still do not know the breeder they come from. Lastly, the US Govt will be making some rules for "puppy mill operations" which will include Ferrets. Among these rules are the age of the babies when removed from their Mother. The age required before Spay/Neuter can be done. Methods of transporting to stores, and the required care in transit. It will all be spelled out. Acceptance of comments on this is now closed, so must now wait and see. Hope this is informative; Frank. -- Never forget 9/11 and the cost of FREEDOM! 'Tedra' Ferrets: http://oakgrovedesigns.net/ferretSS Webpage: http://oakgrovedesigns.net [Posted in FML 6087]