From:
Caitlyn Martin
Date: 2004-12-02 21:40:37 UTC
Subject: Longevity (was: shots)
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <20041202214037.35240.qmail@web50807.mail.yahoo.com>
Hi, everyone,
Sukie made some great points.
Thank you for mentioning exercise. It's not just
about giving ferrets the largest possible area to run
in. It's also about stimulating them. You can do
this by changing their environment, either by going to
a new place or simply rearranging tunnels, furniture,
etc... The best way to do it is interacting with
them. Ferrets become very bonded to us and want to
play with us. I've noticed that my ferrets will stay
up longer and play longer if I'm in the room. If I
actually actively engage in play all the better. There
is nothing better than seeing an old ferret bouncing
around like a kit, even if it's only for a little
while at a time.
I'm also glad Sukie mentioned breeding. What makes
the big farm breeders money? Cute, sweet kits.
Unusual color patterns or ones people decide are
pretty get selectively bred for even if that means
breeding for other undesirable traits. Ditto a sweet
disposition. Longevity? That doesn't make a kit
cuter or raise the bottom line so it doesn't get bred
for.
Genetics has a lot to do with it.
Also, those of us who rescue and adopt rather than buy
at the store mostly take whichever ferrets steal our
hearts and seem to need us. That doesn't generally
mean the ones that have had a great home life and
perfect health. Pertwee came to me because he was a
"terrible biter" that couldn't be sold. Podo and Kodo
stayed because nobody wanted to adopt ferrets that
were close to seven years old. Chin Soon was dumped
at a martial arts studio because a family member moved
into the house and she didn't like the ferret. ...and
so it goes...
Anyway, that just my 2 agorot worth...
All the best,
Caity and the fantastic four
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