I've got a question or few about breeding/breeds in terms of ferrets. I've heard mention often of ferret polecat crossbreeds...and I wonder just how different these would be from just plain ferrets. How different ARE polecats from ferrets? Is it just the level of domestication, and therefore instincts and such, or are there biological differences here. And if it is possible to crossbreed ferrets with others from the family, is it possible to breed them with species other than a polecat? (Hey who wouldn't want just enough otter in their pet ferret so s/he wouldn't mind taking a bath.) I know I've heard of odd combinations being breed before, you know lions with tigers, horses with donkeys....at what level can these things be done. (In reference to ferrets...I don't want to go into a crazy side tangent about other cross-bred animals.) No, I do not breed ferrets. I most likely never will, since from what I've read, it sounds difficult and so dangerous for the females...I'd rather at this stage leave it in the hands of those that KNOW what they are doing. I ask this just out of curiosity. Also, is there a coloration of ferrets that is all black? I've heard of this, and seen a picture...but the picture might not have been a ferret at all, it might have been one of those close relatives that are not easy to tell apart from a tiny picture...like mink or ermine. I know about the color poster, but haven't had the chance to get out and find one, or call in and order one. Thanks for indulging in a slightly off kilter persons inquiries. Ed Greaves [log in to unmask] [Posted in FML issue 1521]