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Post by joan on Feb 20, 2011 23:30:01 GMT -5
Sherry, I thoroughly enjoy them but I'll admit they can be a real challenge to live with. But then I lived with Basenjis for almost 40 years...so I had plenty of practise in keeping one step ahead of very intelligent little hellions. Jennifer, let me know when you're ready for more challenges.
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Post by Heather on Feb 21, 2011 0:09:54 GMT -5
Congratulations Jennifer You have been accepted to have insanely, crazy and intelligent little fuzzes if you accept your assignment. I envy you ciao
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Post by Deleted on Feb 21, 2011 0:15:02 GMT -5
OOOOOooooooo.....I WILL let you know when I can get more brats....I wouldn't consider mixing hybrids with older non-hybrids. I do so love my babies...I want them to live forever. I do get my ferrets in "sets" for a handful of logistical reasons. There are some benefits to having ferrets of different ages, but there are also some challenges as well. The biggest challenge I have with similar-aged ferrets is that I miss not having a wild and crazy youngster thrashing everything it can get its claws and teeth into...that sometimes includes ME -LOL!!!! -jennifer
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Post by Heather on Feb 21, 2011 0:27:37 GMT -5
I hear ya All my brats are over the age of 4 or 5 right now, most are closer to 8. Things aren't as rough and ready as they have been in the past. I miss that. There's nothing like a whole business of brats out and causing all sorts of mayhem to keep you on your toes. Hmmm, yes, I do miss that. ciao
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Post by Sherry on Feb 21, 2011 0:51:25 GMT -5
Obviously not the case with a hybrid, but I've found having a younger ferret tends to keep an older one young Sinnead is around 7 now, Lucrezia's not yet three, but they have the grandest time together wrestling and chasing ;D
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Post by Deleted on Feb 21, 2011 5:56:52 GMT -5
Heather and Jennifer, you want some mayhem.... I can send you a couple!!! As it stands right now there is a very good possibility that I will be taking in 2 more fuzz by the end of the week, putting me at my absolute limit! Which means I'll have 12 fuzz ranging in age from about 1 1/2 to 6 or 7-ish! 2 boys and 10 girls, yikes!!!
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Post by Deleted on Feb 21, 2011 10:57:28 GMT -5
There's a reason why I stick to 4 and keep the ages similar....but when they're young, I miss the cuddliness of the ferrets that have the long -term bond with you. When they're old, I miss the insanely wild behavior. 12 ferrets of mixed ages would be a LOT of work simply because it can be difficult getting that many brats to get along.
-jennifer
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Post by whipple on Feb 21, 2011 13:41:01 GMT -5
Are there any breeders in Canada?
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Post by Heather on Feb 21, 2011 14:12:48 GMT -5
Not really. There are a few byb breeders. As far as I know nothing that you might be able to search out. ciao
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Post by Sherry on Feb 21, 2011 22:27:02 GMT -5
I know we have a byb here in Calgary or area. The newest ones in the pet stores have no tats, and they are small, and well handled. No nippiness or PV attitudes at all. And almost all fancies
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Post by Deleted on Mar 1, 2011 12:29:06 GMT -5
Choosing a ferret breeder is a matter of research, common sense, and knowing about ferrets before choosing a breeder. I hope this guideline help you select a responsible breeder that is concerned with the betterment of the breed. Here is a list of questions you can ask your potential breeder. You will be able to choose a ferret breeder with confidence, and you'll be on your way to enjoying your new ferret.
*Compile a short list of potential breeders you would like to interview.
*Have you made a checklist of the characteristics you're looking for?
*Interview the Breeders. A quality breeder should be happy to answer all your questions. While you’re in the process of finding the right breeder to supply you with the newest member of your family. That breeder should feel as strongly about the well being of your ferret as you do.
*How long have you been breeding ferrets? Do you show? Why or why not? You want someone who has breeding ferret long enough to know what they are doing.
*How large is your breeding operation? Where do your ferrets spend most of their time?
Are the kits raised in the house, how often are they handled, have they been socialized daily on an individual basis?
Are they used to being handled by strangers?
More than 3 months old, does it run around the house on a daily basis or playpen at least 2-3 times a week?
*What is the family history?
*Ask to meet the Ferret's parents.
*Genetic defects? How are you breeding to avoid those defects? Breeders should be honest about the breed's strengths and weaknesses and knowledgeable about the genetic diseases that can affect their breed. You want someone who's up-front and knowledgeable about problems in the breed, and someone who's actively working to minimize them.
Ask about an health problems in the background of the kit or adult. At least the last 5 generations, not just the parents, grandparents, etc, but their litter mates as well.
What did they die of and how old were they when they developed the disease or condition?
Did they have any other health issues?
What other health problems have occurred in any of the ferrets bred by this breeder and at what ages?
Part 1 - 2
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Post by Deleted on Mar 1, 2011 12:32:04 GMT -5
Part 2-2
*Information on the Kit /Adult
What shots have they had and at what age?
What are they eating, and have they been fed any raw or whole prey?
Has any of breeder's ferrets ever had a reaction to a vaccine?
*What sort of health guarantees does breeder offer? Your ferret may become ill within days of you bring it home, or ferret may manifest congenital health defects months or even years later.
What does the breeder guarantee in writing in reference to health and temperament and for how long?
Does the sales contract stipulate that the buyer can return the kit or adult within 1-2 weeks for a full refund or replacement if the temperament or personality is not satisfactory?
Does the contract stipulate breeder’s rights? What are those rights?
*Recommendations? Ask the breeder for a couple references of ferret owners that they have sold within the past year. Call them. Find out if the breeder was fair, if they were happy with their ferret and how any problems were handled.
Talk to people and ask them about their ferrets. Everyone loves to talk about their ferrets. (Ferret clubs, ferret events, ferret forums)
*Do you like the breeder? Will you feel comfortable replying on this person as a resource to help you if you ever run into problems with your ferret? If you feel that the breeder is rude, ignorant, or disagreeable, look elsewhere to purchased your ferret. One of the advantages of buying from a breeder is the support and help they can offer you and your ferret.
Good luck in your search for a breeder and your new ferret.
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Post by miamiferret2 on Mar 1, 2011 22:03:18 GMT -5
i love sable ferrets and you hardly ever seen any at the pet stores. you guys are funny. i love having older ferrets too because they are much more relaxed and predictable. and this young psycho is what i have to deal with at 5 oclock in the morning:
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Post by Sherry on Mar 1, 2011 23:35:06 GMT -5
That's odd! Generally, I find 1/2 sables, and 1/2 fancies in the pet stores. It's the albinos I can no longer find. The main reason I'd go with a breeder is if they no longer breed for the fancies. Silver's, Champagnes, marked DEW's, etc.
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Post by miamiferret2 on Mar 2, 2011 10:50:42 GMT -5
I'm in the southern u.s. though. You are in Canada right?
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