I have to respectfully disagree with a couple of Dr. Susan Brown's points in Issue #742. First, although I agree that ferrets and polecats can interbreed, that doesn't mean that they are "genetically identical". Wolf-dog hybrids and even mallard-Canada goose hybrids can be fertile, but they are considered different species. The whole argument that ferrets are domestic rather than wild animals hinges on the fact that selective breeding for thousands of years has separated them genetically from polecats. Also, I have seen plenty of Marshall Ferrets sharks that are over three pounds (males) or under a pound (females). My MF boys, Smokey & Bandit, weigh 4.5 and 4.75 pounds in the winter, and little Felix can't weigh over twelve ounces. This compares to 'Possum, my three pound non-MF ferret. Is it really OK to feed the guys raw meat? Is there a difference in the safety of raw "game", like rabbits or squirrels, and processed meat like pork or chicken? We sometimes give our guys large bones, like ribs, but only after they're cooked through. They love to chew on them for hours! The mink especially works on bones until there's just about nothing left. --Laura McD. & Smokes, Bandit, Allie, Hershey, 'Posse-man, and Flixy-girl [A duck and a goose can interbreed? Yow.] [Posted in FML issue 0745]