I saw a picture of a person holding what appeared to be a DEW ferret in a Ferret Mag.. I called the breeder, and low and behold it was a picture of a Mink. She told me that they aren't great pets especially around Kids, but can become close with one person. I couldn't tell the difference between this Mink and a picture of a DEW ferret with a few black markings on it. This is my question.....are the more exotic colored ferrets really mutations or have they been bred with Mink to produce these colors. And if you say nay, why haven't these colors mutated earlier in this Century? I know selective breeding (mutation gene) plays a large part....but why not introduce the mink with all its varying colors into the gene pool of the Ferret. Of course the temperment would change some....I'm interested! Thanks Cheryl [Posted in FML issue 1917]