>From: "JEFF JOHNSTON, EPIDEMIOLOGY" <[log in to unmask]> >Subject: Distemper, Fetal Environment >Yes to all the above. Fervac-D is a modified live virus grown in chick >embryo culture. I assume Galaxy-D is, too, but I haven't spoken with that >manufacturer so I'm not 100% certain. I believe Galaxy-D is simian not chick embryo. The old Solvay product Fromm-D was chic embryo. >From: Adrienne Boerger <[log in to unmask]> >Subject: Response to Bill Killian >I knew when I wrote the post that I would get some negative responses, >however much of what I said was taken very, very wrong. I guess people took my comments too strongly as well. There is no definitive way to describe all the different types of breeders. It really is possible to breed ferrets on a small scale and be doing it for all the right reasons. Many of the breeders across the country also run shelters at the same time. The term "responsible breeder" is often used to describe those of us who limit the number of litters we have by the ability we have to place those kits in good homes, those of us who won't breed animals with known genetic defects and those of us who work very hard to ensure that we are placing animals with good temperments. We also try very hard to educate people about the ferrets and to set straight all of the dis-information which has been spread for years about the unsuitability of ferrets as pets. On the other hand, there are those breeders who mistakenly believe that there is money to be made in the breeding of ferrets. These "backyard breeders" (and the term doesn't not necessarily refer only to people who keep their animals outside) breed all the jills they have, and sometimes more than once a year, try to save on expenses such as food and vet expenses by selling kits at eight weeks or less instead of the twelve weeks or later that most of the responsible breeders adhere to. These breeders don't bother to try to educate because in many cases they don't know that much about the animals they are breeding themselves. Those of us who are considered responsible breeders are always trying to educate ourselves about the ferrets. Every day we seem to find something new about our companions. By comparing notes with other breeders we can find the right foods to feed, the pros and cons of the different types of litters as well as discussing possible dominent and recessive genes. This information is then passed along through various sources such as the FML. As with most things, there are good and bad versions. There are no good or bad terms which adquately describe types of breeders or their operations. "Ferret ranch," for example is used to decribe a large operation which can either be good or bad depending solely upon the owner/management of that ranch. It is also possible for a ferret ranch to be run by a responsible breeder. The term "ferret mill" also is used to describe a large operation but this term is used in a negative connotation only and responsible never enters into it. These terms should not be interchangeable. "Hobby breeder" has been used to describe smaller breeders; again it can be good or bad depending upon the person/persons associated with it. "Backyard breeder" is the term usually associted with a small breeder and it carries the negative connotation with it. There have been too many posts which lump all breeders together in the same group and thereby making them guilty by association. Again we are sorry for overreacting, or seeming to if the folks like us weren't being referred to in the negative comments. Thanks for the use of the term "expert" however, like everyone else, we are all still learning. All we try to do is pass along the ideas we have learn along with all the truly wonderful information we've picked up through all of the people we talk to. >From: Karri Knutson <[log in to unmask]> >Subject: Leashes, digging, tubes, etc. Maggots (juvenile flys) can be a problem is a moist environment. I think if you use a good disinfectant and try to get the cage completely dry before you put things like food bowls and litter pans back you'll have less problem. Despite the problems of walking on the mesh floors for the ferrets, the better circulation seems to limit the moisture problems. We prefer mesh floor cages with pull out trays undereath, then we put carpet samples down to protect the ferret's feet. If the water bottle drips over the mesh it doesn't have as much chance of having food gather underneath and becoming fly egg sites. You might also try a different litter in your box. I suspect you might want to look into fly paper near the cage to catch flies attracted to the cage, hopefully before they lay their eggs. Maybe a less humid location for the cage if you can arrange that or possibly putting a portable dehumidifier nearby. Without seeing your environment I can't know exactly what the best solutions might be. bill and diane killian zen and the art of ferrets http://www.zenferret.com/ mailto:[log in to unmask] [Posted in FML issue 1713]