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Post by Deleted on Nov 2, 2011 15:52:23 GMT -5
***NOOOOOOOO!!!! I spent about 20 minutes writing a nice and long message explaining a lot of things, then I press "Post Message" and I get that message saying the internet connection was cut and I lost the WHOLE thing!! *** So here is a SHORT version of my other message. Ask for clarifications, I do not feel like writing it all out again... So, with Meeko sick (Juvenile Lymphoma, see thread in Health for more info on her), we want to get Lyla a cage mate since I feel she will never he happy being a lone ferret again. I live in Edmonton, Alberta, and breeders do not exist here in Canada. The only ones are mass breeders that supply all pet shops... Last May we drove down to Lolo, Montana (11 hours), to pick up my new baby hedgehog, and I think we'd be ready to take the trip again to pick up a baby kit, as long as it's not too far. I'd say approx 15 hours would be a top, unless it's to pick up a "perfect" baby for us (as in color, coat, personality...) I'd rather avoid shipping the baby as I am quite against the whole process... but just for fun, how much does that cost? We are right now torn between the idea of getting another pet shop baby and risking more health issues, or spending 4-5 times more and going to a good breeder to try and save on health bills.... Any one know of a good breeder near or in Montana? I would LOVE for a baby with angora furr, or even a true black sable, as they are quite unseen here (Plus, they happen to be GORGEOUS!! lol) Please let me know if you have any information for me, it would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!! Sandra, Lyla & Meeko
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Post by Sherry on Nov 2, 2011 18:10:01 GMT -5
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Post by Deleted on Nov 2, 2011 18:40:50 GMT -5
Yeah, I checked the breeder list.... the two closest are in WA... :S Still a bit further than I am currently willing to go... lol We also thought of AFS, I've had many contacts with them in the past with no "luck". My first ferret was supposed to be from them until they never called back after the phone interview and never picked up my calls nor answered my messages So I ended up getting Lyla from the pet store. I haven't tried to contact them since. I was very disappointed. Then, a year later, I went to see their kiosk at Pets in the park, and the little girl I was interested in was there as a show ferret as currently adoptable. I was quite mad then also. I haven't tried to keep contact with them, but I check their website about once every 2-4 months. They don't seem to have that well updated because I am certain some must have been adopted or passed as they've been there when I was looking to adopt. They'd been with the rescue for 4 or more years and they were old to begin with, so I highly doubt they're still with the agency... but who knows. Maybe I just dealt with a really arrogant person at the time and I was simply unlucky, I don't know.... Then, there's also the fact that older ferrets are harder to train the way you want them... :S I dunno It's a hard decision.... going with AFS also almost guarantees me a sick ferret.... which I don't really want either Thanks though! I'm still open to anyone who's got anything! lol Sandra, Lyla & Meeko
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Post by Deleted on Nov 2, 2011 18:42:56 GMT -5
I reccomend checking the rescue and adopting. They may even let you bring your ferret to let her pick her own cagemate. Sorry posted this before you posted your reply
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Post by Deleted on Nov 2, 2011 20:00:06 GMT -5
AFS works with foster homes. not a location where all the ferrets are located. To meet a few, one must drive to different locations... it's very difficult to just "bring Lyla in to let her pick out her own cage mate". AFS is the only rescue I know of around here. And truthfully, as much as I'd love to foster and help these poor creatures later on, right now, I want to avoid sick and unhealthy ferrets as much as possible... Unless they have a healthy adult that Lyla can get along with, I doubt AFS is my way to go... It is not out of the options yet, but I still haven't forgiven them for the way I was treated when I truly wanted to adopt one poor little girl! Sandra, Lyla & Meeko
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Post by Deleted on Nov 2, 2011 21:15:51 GMT -5
Let me know if you find a good one in Montana! I have a recent ferret magazine from the US that I'm pretty sure has breeder listings for each state. I'll see if I can dig it up and post the Montana ones for you Maybe try contacting the Calgary ferret rescue? I'm not sure their policies on adopting out ferrets to people in Edmonton. Do you know Sherry? Good luck searching!
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Post by Sherry on Nov 2, 2011 22:12:37 GMT -5
Given that we've adopted as far as BC, Edmonton's not that far away. You do have to be willing to come down to get the ferret of course. We just adopted Frodo from them. A one year old very healthy ferret
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Post by Deleted on Nov 2, 2011 23:11:43 GMT -5
Lol, please let me know Stephanie! I would love that! Thanks! Willing? I am willing to drive down through customs to get me a healthy young ferret Calgary is easy compared the the alternative haha Are all their adoptables on their website? Or do they not post them up all right away? Thanks! Sandra, Lyla & Meeko
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Post by Deleted on Nov 3, 2011 0:39:17 GMT -5
FYI if you want a breeder kit, I think Washington is just as close to you, isn't it? Nancy Park aka Ferretown USA (http://www.ferrettownusa.com/) is in Washington, I love her ferrets I got Finn from her, my chubby bubby big boy who is a real sweetie: P1010744 by walkerstop, on Flickr And look at this guy! This is Finn's brother Skor, the pick of the litter Nancy kept, he is in his full winter coat and ready for the shows!! skor by walkerstop, on Flickr
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Post by Heather on Nov 3, 2011 12:15:21 GMT -5
Isn't he just a gorgeous wee boy...your Finn is gorgeous too, you can see the resemblance in the facial expression. He's a big boy ciao
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Post by Deleted on Nov 3, 2011 12:21:04 GMT -5
They did just re-do their website but I'm not sure how up to date the ferrets are. Your best bet is to email them inquiring about ferret adoptions and they'll get back to you right away. Finn's brother is like a Giant ferret Teddy bear!!! So cute
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Post by Deleted on Nov 4, 2011 10:09:51 GMT -5
Oh wow!! Both look awesome! But that one boy looks VERY special! Love it! hahaha! I'll definitely look into her. I read though in the breeder list that they sell expensive. Are they worth it? Is it really that expensive in comparison to other breeders? Does anyone know if they've got upcoming litters for 2011, or are they all for into 2012 at this point? Do they breed angoras as well? Thanks! Sandra, Lyla & Meeko
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Post by joan on Nov 4, 2011 11:54:44 GMT -5
Nancy's prices are reasonable and I believe they have a good health history behind them. She might still have a few older kits available...you would have to check with her. AFAIK, none of her ferrets have angoras behind them...no knowledgeable or ethical breeder would breed angoras.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 4, 2011 12:10:17 GMT -5
AFAIK, none of her ferrets have angoras behind them...no knowledgeable or ethical breeder would breed angoras. Thanks for the info on the breeder! If I chose to go with a breeder, I will keep her in mind then So I guess I'm missing some important info on Angoras? What is it about them that makes you say that no knowledgeable or ethical breeder would breed them? Are they un-healthy in any way? Is it a bad trait in ferrets? Please inform me! I'd rather know now than to make a mistake later on! Thanks! Sandra, Lyla & Meeko
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Post by Heather on Nov 4, 2011 12:39:32 GMT -5
Angoras are or have been known to be rather unhealthy. Generally speaking, a ferret that cannot nurse it's own kits really shouldn't happen and that is a major problem with angoras. There are other issues too, maybe Joan would expand on her statement for us. I only know that it has come to the point where they're no longer even shown in a lot of shows. I would guess that they're bred on a defective gene (I'm only guessing here) this is definitely something to do major research on as it will affect the longevity of your wee one. Basically, the healthiest ferrets are the dark sables without black self background and the albinos. These are the "original" ferrets. Unfortunately, we seem to forget that to create exotic colours we create exotic problems and now a lot of breeders as well as the farms (well probably not the farms ) are busy trying to flush out their lines of these issues. Unfortunately, our endless search for something different usually has far reaching and often tragic results ciao
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