MFarm=Marshall Farms ferrets which are not only sold as pets but also as lab research animals. Ferrets are used widely in biomedical research. If we don't buy them as pets, we will condemn them to life as lab animals. When the research is finished the animals are euthenized and only rarely do any have a chance for a normal ferret life - to play and be played with, loved, cuddled, and hugged. MFarm ferrets seem to have quite a few medical problems. The researchers and veterinarians are more qualified to give you info on ferrets as lab animals and MFarms ferrets medical problems but I can share my personal experiences with you. In my views, all ferrets make wonderful pets - including MFarm ferrets, although there may be additional medical costs and heartache involved. Gizzie has chronic colitis (??), every year from Jan-Apr he has severe diarrhea and I give him Gentocin for 6 weeks and then regulate him with Kaopectate twice a day, monitor diet and intake, and add yogurt (which he hates but I love so I don't feel bad giving it to him). I've spent hundreds of dollars on tests with no definite results. After the first time I was prepared and could manage his illness better. The first year he lost 30% of his body weight (I almost lost him), but this last time he only lost 2 ounces - 4.8 to 4.6 pounds. I have to keep him meticulously clean during this time and he refuses to use a litter box - his way of letting me know all is not well. Willow also has medical problems but not as severe as Gizzie. Ferry who is also a MFarms ferret is showing possible signs of cancer and will soon be going in for tests so we can stay ahead of the disease. Not all Mfarms ferrets are prone to medical problems but it it something we need to be aware of to provide proper medical care for our beloved fuzzies. [Posted in FML issue 0815]