I would caution anyone seeking ferrets from this breeder to be very careful. They failed to obtain "approved" status under published guidelines from a Texas ferret club due to failing inspections and was eventually told to cease using their name in business or promotions. The club received several complaints about the conditions there from individual buyers as well. If you are willing to risk a wasted trip against the hope that there have been improvements, here are some things to check for based on previous complaints and my own visit. The number of ferrets there is excessive. They are housed in a garage with rows of cages stacked all the way to the ceiling. Check on the population-- estimates have range anywhere from 150 - 300 ferrets, and being the person who guessed 150 and having since seen a known count right at 150 I can tell you I underestimated. The breeder also reports having "satellite" locations in addition to the onsite ferrets yet also continues to tell folks a story about wanting to cut down on the number of ferrets. Check for working and adequate cooling, flies, cage cleanliness, food and water being present and uncontaminated in all cages, and health of ferrets. Look at the build of the ferret. Many of the ferrets from this breeder typically have a short, stocky body and short tail. The face is also somewhat different, I can't think how to describe. When they turn up in shelters they are recognizable. Ask to see the parents and a pedigree going back several generations. I'd be suspicious if you can't be offered any records of this type. Think how proudly small breeders on this list annouce births within their bloodlines. Adopters report these ferrets are ECE positive. This is a rural location and authorities are spread thin. As in many such locations, animal cruelty is not high on their list of crimes to pursue. The laws are so thin that it is extremely hard to get anywhere (speaking from experience). Repeated reports (from different complainants) in such cases sometimes help. The USDA has an interest in this breeder because the large stock of ferrets indicates to them that she does sell to retailers though she claims otherwise, but the inspectors are spread *extremely* thin over so large a state, so that's little help either. Keep your eyes open, listen carefully (they talk a good talk), and be careful. I'd recommend disinfecting before handling your own pets again just in case. Good luck. Debra [Posted in FML issue 2799]