Just wanted to let you all know that I have not forgotten about the survey - I'm just VERY behind on loading in the returned forms. So far, I have data on over 1000 ferrets and thought I'd share what I have so far, and those expecting a printed copy - it will be coming with ALL the surveys to date loaded in. I'm working on things for the HSUS Expo Feb 12-16 and will be out of town during that time, so please be patient. Average ferrets per home = 5 554 sables, 132 albinos 218 mitts or silvers 69 patterns 60 BEW 71 Chocolates 73 cinnamons 511 males, 504 females 212 under a year 208 1-2, 247 2-3, 238 3-4, 194 4-5, 100 5-6, 95 over 6. ferrets = 1160, dogs = 194, cats = 271, birds = 146, reptiles = 47, rabbits = 113, fish = 303, rodents = 60, exotics = 18, large animals = 25 Was a ferret your first pet? 83 = yes, 144 = no Where was the first ferret obtained? pet shop = 62% breeder = 9% shelter = 11%, other = 18% Where was the fifth ferret obtained? pet shop = 25% breeder = 19% shelter = 39% other = 16% This is good to see - subsequent ferrets being acquired through other sources than the pet shop. 50% of the people surveyed had ferrets that passed away. 80% of ferret passing were seen by a vet - glad to see they get health care! average ferret owner: 36 and a half, female, holds a college degree, white collar job making over $30,000, owns their home, lives in a house in the suburbs, belongs to a ferret club and subscribes to a ferret newsletter or magazine. 44% of the surveys received so far came off the Internet, 19% from clubs and 29% from a newsletter. There is still time to copy more surveys and pass them out - the more received the better the stats will reflect true ferret ownership. Pamela Troutman Grant / STAR* Ferrets [Posted in FML issue 1839]