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Post by joan on Mar 2, 2011 12:21:15 GMT -5
Outstanding posts, Wendy! I'd be getting a lot fewer emails and inquiries from unhappy owners if they had actually followed these guidelines before buying a kit or adult.
I do have comments about a couple of your points:
"*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."
It's highly unlikely that the breeder would refer the person to a buyer who had problems with one of their kits, especially if the breeder did not handle it in a way to satisfy the buyer.
"*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."
This is an excellent point! I've heard from a number of unhappy buyers in the past few years that the breeder refused to accept any responsibility and blamed the buyer for whatever problem had surfaced, whether it was health or temperament issues, even though the buyer had done exactly as the breeder had told them to do.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 2, 2011 13:05:22 GMT -5
<Find out if the breeder was fair, if they were happy with their ferret and how any problems were handled."
Recommendation: Here my train of thought on that phase.
What happens if you get a kit/adult home and that ferret is not happy in it's new home.
Some animals just don't click with a person. (personality/temperament/environment).
Do I think this is a problem...yes.
Ferret is unhappy and customer is unhappy. Can this easily be resolved....yes.
In a very positive way for both ferret and customer. It's probably best to return the ferret and find one that is suitable for that customer.
Of course you going to unhappy that it's does work out. Working with the Breeder and coming up with a solution so that both customer and ferret will be happy.
Shows that the breeder is there to help you and your ferret.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 2, 2011 13:09:11 GMT -5
I think I was thinking more on lines of behavior problems..
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Post by Heather on Mar 2, 2011 16:06:46 GMT -5
I agree. We had a member who had been very excited about getting her "new baby breeder fuzz". When she got it, she couldn't handle him/her. He/she was just more active, more bitey, more..more ... more. Even with the help of the forum she just couldn't get her head around this sheer in your face activity of this little one. She finally did return the little one and get another fuzz. I believe that this relationship was much more in tuned to what the new owner was looking for. By talking with the breeder and discussing the problems that she was having they were both able to come up with a mutual solution to a problem. Here a definite case of 2 personalities (the ferret and it's person) who just were not a good mesh, because of this both were unhappy. ciao
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Post by joclyn on Mar 2, 2011 16:42:52 GMT -5
what i did, and still do, is a LOT of observation of what people who have purchased from the various breeders say about their ferrets...you don't need to actually ask a breeder for 'references' if you are out there looking around! you can go to shows and talk to the owners and/or follow the online postings of those that own a breeders' ferrets!
also, if you 'ask' for references, you can be sure they're only going to refer you to their most happy customers!! no matter what, there is rarely 100% of happy customers - regardless of whether the problem resides with the breeders actions or the actions of the new owner...so, to get unbiased and honest opinions, it's best to look for info on your own if you can.
the other thing i look at is lines. i don't want to see a lot of line-breeding...sometimes the info is right on their website and other times it's not or only goes back a generation. i always ask for the details if it's not readily available.
i also want to know about propensity for illness that's showing up...with my boy, things were looking good...then it became clear (with the litter he's from) that there were some issues - and that's one of the reasons i ended up with him, actually (she decided not to keep him because of crypto).
the thing i look for on their websites is how they (the breeder) presents themselves...in other words, if there is no information listed about the breeder themselves, then i lose interest even if the ferrets seem to be fabulous. if you can't tell me something about yourself, especially not even what your name is or what state you're located in, then, no matter how good a breeder you may be, i will most likely not be interested because no info on your website makes it look like you're hiding something.
ya gotta be completely open & above-board, in my opinion!
why?? because that leads to open & honest communications and that is absolutely vital; from both sides! breeder ferrets aren't cheap so, i want to feel comfortable asking questions and have some confidence i'm going to get honest answers about my concerns if i'm going to spent a few hundred dollars on one of your animals.
i also want to be able to build a relationship over the years with the breeder. most contracts do have some kind of stipulation about providing periodic updates on health. and, if there are any issues that arise (with my ferret or others in that line), i want to be able to contact the breeder for information and/or advise as well as to notify if something nasty occurs...medical issues, years later, are something that a good/reputable breeder wants to keep track of (and should also want to disseminate the info to those that have ferrets in a line that's affected by something), so, it's in everyone's best interests if a decent and ongoing relationship, develops. that can't happen unless all parties are open & honest with information about themselves!
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Post by Deleted on Mar 2, 2011 16:51:18 GMT -5
>the thing i look for on their websites is how they (the breeder) presents themselves...in other words, if there is no information listed about the breeder themselves, then i lose interest even if the ferrets seem to be fabulous. if you can't tell me something about yourself, especially not even what your name is or what state you're located in, then, no matter how good a breeder you may be, i will most likely not be interested because no info on your website makes it look like you're hiding something.
That's a good point...
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Post by Deleted on Mar 2, 2011 18:04:27 GMT -5
>It's highly unlikely that the breeder would refer the person to a buyer who had problems with one of their kits, especially if the breeder did not handle it in a way to satisfy the buyer.
That's probably true. Most likely recommend a happy customer to you.
That person might know some history or problem. Customers do keep track of the litters.
I have some friends they have mom/dad, sons and daughters. It's there big family. They will put in a request to breeder. When it's time to retired so and so. Can you please let me know.
It does not hurt to ask the breeder for recommendation. I think I would be more concern if they don't give a name.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 2, 2011 0:12:00 GMT -5
With all this talk about patterns being linked to genetic health issues, can someone clarify which colors and patterns are associated with the genetic issues?
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Post by Deleted on Jun 2, 2011 5:55:47 GMT -5
With all this talk about patterns being linked to genetic health issues, can someone clarify which colors and patterns are associated with the genetic issues? Very good question. Check out the "Ferret-Genetics" group. There is lots of information in this forum tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/Ferret-Genetics/I suggest doing some searches in the group under: White markings White pattern Black roan mitts panda mitts blaze That will get your started. I hope this helps and it's all about learning.
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Post by Heather on Jun 2, 2011 12:35:43 GMT -5
Thanks for posting that. That could be an interesting group ciao
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Post by Deleted on Jun 2, 2011 13:28:46 GMT -5
Thanks for posting that info, I will start reading.
Does anyone know off the top of their head, is the "point" or "siamese" pattern also associated with genetic issues? Is that pattern based on blaze or mitt or other neural crest genetics? I am considering adopting a point kit and am concerned whether this pattern indicates genetic issues.
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Post by Heather on Jun 2, 2011 13:49:03 GMT -5
The problem is at the moment and breeders are included in this is that everyone was breeding for specific patterns, colours and coat. The original colours are supposed to be the most solid health wise. Unfortunately, they too are now products of these breedings. My understanding is the siamese or point coloured ferrets are also a product of breeding for "style". What you want is a darker sable, from a pure sable line (note I didn't say black). That is your healthiest ferret. The original colour and marked ferrets. If you can actually find this hmmm. Joan has some pure sable ferrets. She's the only breeder that I know of for sure who breeds for pure sable lines in the US. I'm sure there are others but I don't know of any personally. Others can help you here. Joan presently has kits on the ground from her recent UK imports. I don't know if they're all spoken for yet or not. ciao
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Post by Deleted on Jun 2, 2011 16:12:16 GMT -5
Mike, I have met Nancy in person. I have also seen her kits. You won't be disappointed with her kits.
Good luck in selecting your breeder.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 2, 2011 17:57:54 GMT -5
Price isn't really a big issue, especially if they are healthy. I mean, I'm trying to get a top-notch ferret, I expect to pay more. Health is my biggest concern BUT, I am also concerned with whether they will be a pet that I can enjoy playing with and being affectionate too, and that won't dislike being handled or bite so much that it's no fun to play with them. I read somewhere (maybe it was this thread) Joan's ferrets are more "wild" because of the wild polecat blood in them. They are hybrids aren't they? If they can be taught to be gentle and not hurt people, then great. If not, I'm not sure that would be what I'm looking for. This will primarily be a pet whose company I'll enjoy, not a show animal initially (but maybe in the future), and he won't be breeding stock, he'll mainly be a pet. That is one advantage Marshall ferrets have, their temperament, they are almost TOO docile. I also have not been able to find what the name of Joan's ferretry or where she is located. Can someone fill me in? Does she have a website? Joan if you read this, can you let me know where you are, and if your kits make good pets? Are they docile enough to make good pets? I'm not looking for Marshall-level docility, but I also don't think I should adopt a ferret who will never bond with me or will never learn to be gentle and bite soft. Or am I worrying too much? Mike, I have met Nancy in person. I have also seen her kits. You won't be disappointed with her kits. I think I read somewhere that Nancy incorporates strong European bloodlines too, even though she breeds points which don't seem like a very natural color to me. I've been talking to her and she seems really cool, but she's out of town right now so I can't get all my questions answered until she gets back. One concern I have had several people mention is that Nancy's ferrets, especially SHD's Point Me Out of FTN, the sire of the litter I'm looking at, seems to have a strange head shape. People have even said that the kits seem to have unusual head shape. Is this true? What do you guys think? Is this just a cosmetic thing or does it indicate some genetic oddity I should be worried about? Here's a link to pics so you can tell me what you think: www.ferrettownusa.com/2011-kits.htmlThen Linda at MCF seems like a good breeder too, hopefull I'll be able to talk to her more this weekend. Everyone is so busy ;D Does anyone have first-hand experience with a kit from any of these 3 breeders, Joan (??) , Nancy (Ferretown), or Linda (MCF)? Would really love to see info and pictures about ferrets from these breeders, how big they got, temperament, etc...
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Post by goingpostal on Jun 2, 2011 22:53:48 GMT -5
I believe the Joan on here is tawelfan ferretry, no website and I may have spelled that wrong sorry.
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