What can I say, Sterling, you've done it again! You have a great way with words--you don't waste 'em. You know, even a vet I dislike, but perhaps thought of as a ferret guru, who has owned ferrets since her childhood, and who has conducted formal ferret research projects on various issues, believes there is a causal relationship between closed colony breeders, early fixing, and high morbidity and mortality rates. Actually her words were much, much stronger. Still, I think its great that ANY vet has the conviction to post on this forum. I only hope more will in the future. We can use all the help we can get. I salute Dr. Kemmerer for showing her conviction. best wishes, until next time, alphachi [Posted in FML issue 1997]