Many people on the FML have commented that they would like to see posts normally done in private in response to postings back on the FML. Normally I would have only responded to the person in question, but in this case I will respond "in public". Mr. Killian, I do not know what you have heard about MF, I have stated what I have learned or researched, so I can not say whether or not the things you have heard about MF are "junk". It does disturb me, however, that a lot of people are willing to support a company that they disagree with in principle. I will not, in any way, support a company that I do not believe in or agree with. That is why I will not purchase anything from MF, or Ferret Outfitters. I believe that the only way to convince MF to change is to not continue to financially support their organization. Point 1 - Dr. Bell - I have never personally heard or said anything negative about Dr. Bell. Point 2 - Genetic diversity - MF sold an estimated 82,000 ferrets last year (this figure is also from the USDA). With the length of time they have been in business and the fact that color variations will occur, it is entirely possible that mutations will appear. Five years ago, most ferrets on the market were either sable, cinnamon or albino. If you breed colors to colors, you will get variations. I lived on a farm for most of my childhood, and was very successful in maintaining the Palomino coloration in either stud or dam line, regardless of the other sexes' color, just by controlling which stallion or mare to be bred. If you have a specific color in mind, it is just a matter of time to breed the closest males/females until you are successful. It does not mean that new blood was introduced to the line, only that for coloration purposes, the breeding was controlled. In our case with the Palominos, we discovered many negative traits and characteristics often surfaced (like nasty temperaments or in a particular case, intestinal problems). We decided that the "copper penny" look prized by the American Palomino Association was not as important as a stable, healthy animal, and our colts and fillies were bred for the best temperaments. Point 3 - The inbreeding issue. I'm not sure why you do not think it is a problem, the last five vets that I spoke to about this issue pointed the finger directly at inbreeding as to the cause of the longevity of ferrets dropping and the increase in cases of adrenals & insulinomas. They also specifically mentioned MF as being a contributing factor to the problem. Point 4 - The dog world has "puppy mills" - where thousands of bitches are bred continuously in 1' x 1' cages and producing the most popular breeds of dogs. Many affiliated dog breed factions have condemned the puppy mills for the disintegration of many breeds of dogs and the congenital problems that they have caused by inbreeding, soley for the sake of the almighty dollar - ferrets can't be that much different. Point 5 - Ok. you were at a ferret show this weekend and saw more ferrets in a day than I see in a year - but aren't you missing the big picture here? The ferrets that you saw were the "cream of the crop", the best from each household or breeder - in the absolute peak of health - and young. The ones that I see are from 6 wks to 8 YEARS old and in whatever shape they are in, so your statement can be misleading. Last Point - I do not apologize to anyone for my views about MF - I have gathered information about them for the past 8 years. I will continue to gather information about all abuses to my beloved companions. I do not make promises lightly, nor have I ever been accused of keeping silent, so if you know of breeders that are not above board, I welcome the chance to tell them how I feel. In my area, I have not had the slightest problem with reporting abuses of animals to the proper authorities. I can speak, the animals can't. I do not hold anything against MF ferrets - they are the innocent victims. BTW, BIG, I second the hurrahs to you. I could never do the work that you do, as well as you do. Lisa [Posted in FML issue 1696]