Unfortunately, ferrets are used at some teaching colleges- we have been lucky enough to have one of our state's colleges contact us whenever they have "retired" research ferrets to pick up. Marshall's does supply a certain amount of ferrets each year to these teaching facilities. The college we receive our girls from (they only have females- they think they are more docile, *snort*) have used these ferrets for human influenza studies, as well as neonatal intubation. We pick them up, we only have 24hrs to get there!, bring them home, spay them and put them up for adoption. These girls have always been dark sable, with a small metal tag on their right ear, which has identity numbers on both sides. If Tech is offering their ferrets to homes, that's a whole lot better than the alternative. Most teaching facilities euthanize as soon as the project is over. Sincerely, Marlene B. Director Richmond Ferret Rescue League [Posted in FML 6184]