#2. Ferrets are currently the third most popular pet in the US. There are an estimated eight to ten million ferrets in the United States being kept as pets.

#3. You are more likely to get rabies from cats and dogs than you are from a ferret. There have only been 21 cases of ferrets contracting rabies since 1958 and there have been ZERO cases of rabies transmitted to a human by a ferret. What does that mean? Well, between 1980 and 1992 there have been 2,537 cases of rabies in cats and 1,996 cases reported in dogs. (Ferrets win!) There also appears to be a natural rabies resistance in the weasel family, it is unproven as of yet, but studies between 1989 and 1994 seem to suggest this.

#4. Ferrets are not rodents. They are from a different family called Mustelidae, which include weasels, mink, otters, skunk, ermines, fishers, and many others.

#5. Ferrets are affectionate animals. Like cats and dogs, they all have different personalities and in fact get along with cats and dogs very well, but like any animal the first few days together must be monitored carefully!

#6. Ferrets will eat just about anything. It doesn't mean that they can digest it though. Mine has eaten erasers, rubber, foam, plastic, and too many of my socks.

#7. Most ferrets sold in stores are already neutered/spayed. That's because whole (unaltered) male ferrets tend to be more aggressive, and the odor that they give off is rather unpleasant to many people. Female ferrets who are not spayed MUST be bred, every season, or they will not survive. When female ferrets go into heat, they will not come back out of heat until they have been mated with. If they are not brought out of heat, they will die of anemia. (This is also why there are no 'wild' ferret colonies!)

#8. Ferrets are carnivores though most are fed special ferret chow or kitten chow along with extra vitamins.

#9. They can be trained to use a litter box and to do tricks, and most of them love to go places with you, riding on a shoulder or in a bag.

#10. Barring accidents, ferrets typically live 6-10 years.

#11. Though they do well living in small cages and travel well, ferrets do need to be let out a few hours every day to play, excercise (destroy your slippers...)

#12. Domestic ferrets are often confused with their cousins the North American Black-Footed Ferrets, Mustela nigripes. Black-footed ferrets (BFFs) are wild remote relatives of the domestic ferret. They are an endangered species: the only BFFs known to exist are in zoos or in a breeding program in Wyoming. However, despite similar appearances, the BFF is not very closely related to the domestic ferret.

#13. Ferrets are still illegal to own or breed in the states of California and Hawaii.
Also in:

Washington, DC
Dallas, Ft. Worth, Beaumont, and various other cities in TX
Bloomington and Burnsville, MN
Tulsa, OK

Some states also require licensing fees to own ferrets. The best bet is still to call the local Wildlife Department or Fish and Game Department for information on the state policies about ferrets.

The state of Michigan has several legistators and Game Department members who appear to have an irrational vedetta against the ferret.  Though Ferrets are legal in MI, they are under constant threat of confiscation and beheading (Yes, beheading) which is illegal for the state officals to do, but evidently the law doesn't matter to much to those people.  See the bottom half of this webpage for more details.

#15. Ferrets sleep alot (though the kits are hyperactive just like kittens.) Some ferrets are such heavy sleepers that they can be passed around an entire room full of people and not wake up at all... There have been cases where concerned ferret owners have believed their pets to be dead or comatose and while rushing to the vet had their pet wakes up in the passenger seat wondering what was all the excitement about... This phenomena increases in warmer weather.

#16. Ferrets do have a particular smell to them. It's a musky scent that some people don't like while others don't mind at all. Unaltered ferrets tend to smell the worst so most ferrets sold in pet stores usually have the scent gland at the base of the tail already removed. Young kits also tend to have a sharper, distinctive odor that they lose when they get older.

#17. The rumors regarding ferrets attacking babies are largely unproven. Ferrets are often mistaken for their wilder and more aggressive cousin, the European Polecat which are usually raised for fur and sometimes hunting. There have only been 12 serious cases of ferret attacks ever recorded in the United States unlike the hundreds of very serious or even fatal attacks by dogs every year. As with any animal, careful supervision must always be given when presenting an animal to a baby! After all, only a particularly stupid or careless parent would leave a baby unattended with an animal in it's crib!

#18. Yes, ferrets can bite your feet off... if you stay really still and give them several hours with a couple of naps in between...

#19. Some ferret tails smell like grape soda... This is a true fact!

#20. Ferrets are smart!  The most intelligent of the smaller animals are rats, but ferrets are just a step under that, but ahead of dogs and cats!  They have different ways of thinking of course.  Dogs are more likely to learn how to fetch your slippers, but ferrets are more likely to figure out how to get out of a locked cage and steal your slippers.

#21. Ferrets come in a variety of colors!  They also have Angora ferrets which are long haired version of the common US shorthair variety which also come in many different colors.  There are no breeders that I know of in the US, but many in Europe.
Sable - Brown + Black
Cinnamon - Light reddish brown
Silver - White with Black + Grey guardhairs
Albino - White to Cream with red eyes
White -  White, sometimes with darker markings, but black eyes.

#22.  Ferrets are called by a variety of nicknames:  Fuzzies, Weasels, Carpet Sharks, Ferts, Fweasels.

#. More to come! Bookmark this page and come back anytime! 

What or who is Jingoro might you ask? Jingoro is a cat from the Japanese Anime Kimagure Orange Road (KOR), derived from the words 'jin-goro' meaning silver haired.  However, in this case, he is a little silver-mitt ferret that was born on January 17th, 1997.  He's got a penchant for socks, raisins, rubber, and leather (all of which he's managed to stash in some form under the sofa.

I went to the Exotic Pet Expo in NJ back in Aug of '97 where Fallenstein Ferrets had a display... I didn't go home alone.  So... Introducing... Ryouki!  She's a little itty bitty sable female with lovely mask and very dark stockings.  The name is from another Japanese Anime called Tenchi Muyo.  Ryouki there is a Cabbit, half cat, half rabbit.  But this Ryouki is all charm. Her pictures are up on the photo gallery too!

Then came this little joker, Sasami also named from the Anime Tenchi Muyo.  This time after a little girl who was very sweet.  Gee, could we be more wrong? ;)  Introduction Sasami the Destroyer!  She's a chunky female with Attitude and Teeth!  We love her, but gosh she sure likes nipping too!  She was a Christmas present for '97. :)

Now, Marcus is a big fat clown.  He's easily the largest ferret we have, topping 3lbs dry. ;)  Yes, we know his name doesn't match any of the other ferret names, but that's because he was named for Marcus fromm the Babylon 5 tv show. :)  We got Marcus when he was almost full grown, or so we thought.  But he was so sweet at the pet store we couldn't resist and he went home with us.  He is easily the most charming and people friendly ferret I've EVER met!  He'll even tolerate little kids.

Lastly, but probably not THE last, is Asuza.  From the Anime Ranma 1/2. ;)  This is her on the first night home at 6 wks old. Isn't she adorable?  Regrettably her right eye is malformed, but it hasn't made a dent in her charm. :)  She's a little screamer though, always howling for attention which helped her to easily win the "Noisiest Ferret!" award paws down. ;)

Ferret Central - Now this is a ferret site!  Practically everything you need to know, want to know, can possibly know about FERRETS!!!!

 L.I.F.E. Fact Sheet on Rabies in Ferrets  -  Title explains it all.  Very nice info on rabies and ferrets presented in a clear, scientific, and logical manner.

Zen and the Art of Ferrets - Cute Place!

Nordic Pet Connection -  Wonderful pictures on this site and practically the only place you can see Angora ferrets! They're awesom! I want one!

Modern Ferret Magazine - I buy this magazine myself for the latest stuff on ferrets!

The ACME Ferret Company - It's more than just the products, there's also the Independant Ferret News Service with the latest in ferret issues!

Who is Kodo?

While the introduction of this new bill will help, the fact remains that Kodo didn't have to die. Michigan law already states that the current CDC recommendations should be used regarding animal bites. In the CDC's most recent recommendation, "Compendium of Animal Rabies Control 1997," it states that, "Management of animals other than dogs and cats depends on the species, the circumstances of the bite, the epidemiology of rabies in the area, and the biting animal's history, current health status, and potential for exposure to rabies" (p.9). As we have already pointed out, Kodo was properly vaccinated for rabies, and showed no health problems, even after 40+ days in quarantine. Further, Kodo did not bite the man, he merely scratched him, resulting in nearly zero risk to the person. Kodo had a clean bill of health through out his short one year of life, and did not have a history of biting. So why did Kodo die? It appears a couple of factors played into this atrocity.

First of all, Karen Burns, Director of Bay County Animal Control (517) 894-0679, did not need to confiscate Kodo. The man involved in the scratch did not want to file a complaint, and was against killing Kodo from the beginning. According to some reports, Karen Burns even admitted in court that she may have been overzealous in her pursuit of the case. A second and most important factor is Dr. Mary Grace Stobierski DVM, the head veterinarian for the Michigan Department of Community Health. Dr. Stobierski fought vigorously against efforts in 1994 when ferrets were first legalized in Michigan, and has been pursuing irrational and inhumane policies ever since. The CDC has clearly stated that a risk assessment should take place for each bite incident, and recommends a 10 day quarantine unless otherwise warranted. Dr. Stobierski has disregarded this policy, and implemented her own kill and test mandate for every ferret that so much as scratches a human. One final person was responsible for this senseless killing, James Haveman, Director of the Michigan Department of Community Health. Many have asked why Mr. Haveman sits by while Dr. Stobierski wages her person war against ferrets. Michigan law defers directly to the CDC recommendations, yet he knowingly allows one of his employees to disregard this law and make up her own policy. We have been unsuccessful in obtaining an explanation for this.

These following articles were received from the FML (Ferret Mailing List):
(To join - mail ferret-request@cunyvm.cuny.edu )

Date: Wed, 30 Jul 1997 20:10:18 -0400
From: Micki Wingate <checker@PCPLUS-MI.COM>
Subject: MICHIGAN INQUISITION

This one tops them all!!!

On or about 3-28-97 Rebecca purchased "Thunder" from a fellow named Mike. They both live in Owosso, Mi (can you guess whats coming??). The reason Mike was selling Thunder is his fiancee did not want the ferret. No other reason was given for the sale. Thunder has been purchased from a pet shop at 8 weeks of age and his exam date was listed as 2-12-97. His health certificate accompanied the sale. Thunder was examined again by Rebecca's vet and vaccinated for rabies on 5-24-97.

On Wednesday 7-23-97 The Shiawasse Health Dept. called Rebecca asking if she had Thunder. When Rebecca said yes she had the ferret she was asked if the ferret had any health problems or was sick in any way. Rebecca told the woman the ferret was very healthy, had never shown any signs of being sick, ate, drank and played well. Rebecca was asked if she had the ferret to the vet for any exams since purchased. Rebecca said yes. The woman from the Health Dept. said that the ferret had been involved in a bite over 4 months ago but that they were not going to do anything about it because it was over 4 months old and also told Rebecca not to worry, they would not take her ferret.

The next day 7-24-97 Mr. Jack Bunting from Shiawasse Animal Control showed up at her door and demanded she turn over the ferret for immediate destruction. She asked if he had a court order, he said no, she told him to get off her land and not come back. Mr. Bunting told her he would get a court order and that she would have to pay him $35.00 cost for destroying the ferret. Rebecca told him he was crazy, that she would never pay. He left saying he would be back with the court order. Later the same day the assistant prosecuting attorney from Shiawasse County called and sked her similar questions about the ferret. Rebecca told her the same things she had told the Health Dept.. The assist. PA said as far as she was concerned there was no case due to lack of info and the time frame. She did say her boss Randy Colbrey was on vacation and that when he returned on Monday she would talk it over with him.

On Tuesday 7-29-97 Randy Colbrey the chief prosecuting attorney from Shiawasse County (the same one that had the heart recipient arrested and held without bond until Kelly was turned over) called Rebecca and told her to turn over the ferret or go to jail. He said it was his call and the law stated that if the ferret bit it was to be destroyed and tested for rabies. Rebecca said she was under the impression the bite had to be reported within 48 hours and that neither the child or ferret were ill. Colbrey said the rabies virus can stay dormant for UP TO SEVEN YEARS in ferrets and he was told this by a Dr. Rebecca asked who the Dr. was, Colbrey declined to give her the name. He asked her if she was going to co-operate or did he have to get a court order. Rebecca stated at the time (feeling she had no choice) that she would turn over the ferret on 7-30-97. She cannot go to jail as she has an ailing grandfather and a grandson to take care of as well as a job. Then she called the GLFA and Sal Gani the attorney. --this was the info as of 4:30pm on Wednesay 7-30-97---

I have since been told that now Colbrey has changed his mind about pursuing this but the MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY HEALTH wants the ferret dead. This is insane. It's as if they feel they can do whatever they want and our rights as citizens be damned. This is truely without merit and looks exactly like what it is - a ferret inquisition in Michigan. If anyone has access to the media let them know Michigan is at it again. Will try to keep you posted as to what is happening.

Date: Fri, 1 Aug 1997 00:08:18 -0400
From: Micki Wingate <checker@PCPLUS-MI.COM>
Subject: Thunder

This is so disheartening. Here is the rest of the story.

Mike and his fiancee got married. Mike and his new bride are getting a divorce. The children (ages 3 & 1) have been taken from the woman by the state and placed in foster care (reason unknown). Woman is angry at everyone so calls and reports this alleged bite four and a half months after it happens. The pediatrician NEVER SAW THE CHILD. Only talked to the woman on the phone. The pediatrician determined that an exposure had taken place and said he wanted the ferret destroyed. Rebecca gave the ferret to someone who was willing to go to jail. The warrant was issued and when they got to Rebecca's and she told them she no longer had the ferret, they said they didn't care who had it SHE was going to jail. As I said yesterday, she has a grandfather (not father) with alzheimers and is raising her grandson. You can imagine the fear she had for her family. She asked that Thunder be brought back to be destroyed. This occurred at 3:30pm today and I'm sure the ferret was dead by 3:40.

Now, in a court of law, under oath I heard Dr. Stobierski and Dr. Hall say that they can only advise on these situations and that it is up to the local health departments to make the decisions regarding these cases. Remember that Rebecca was called by the Shiawasse Health Dept. and assured after she had answered their questions that everything was ok and they would not be coming for her ferret. They did the right thing and then MDCH stepped in an overrode their decision. So, it is clear that they lied under oath. It is also clear that they are not protecting the public health, they are just killing ferrets. They took the word of a Dr. who had no contact with the child, and the word of a woman who is obviously not doing something right if the State took her children away, and said they were doing it for the safety of the child.

There is no proof that a bite even occurred!! This is so obviously wrong and so obviously being ignored by the people who have the power to make it stop. I firmly believe that the CDC could stop this insanity if they wanted to. I think as long as they keep saying they need more studies the money will keep coming and the guarantee of at least another years work. In the meantime we have situations like we do in Michigan. I wonder how those responsible can sleep at night?

Please everyone. Contact your state health department and under the Freedom of Information Act request the number of ferrets destroyed and tested for rabies year by year for at least 10 years back. This info should be sent to Troy Lynn Eckhart and on the rabies page in Kodos kozykingdom web site. I would bet there have been thousands of ferrets destroyed in the last ten years.

I am so sorry we couldn't save him.

Date: Tue, 29 Jul 1997 20:38:07 -0400
From: "marie i. schatz" <marys100@NET-LINK.NET>
Subject: article/comment

>From the Kalamazoo Gazette (town on southern MI, didn't get the feed, it was in a column with other small articles),
[29 July 97].

>REPORT SAYS FERRETS LIKELIER TO BE KILLED
>Flint - Ferrets are more likely to be killed out of concern over rabies than other domestic animals that acutally are more likely to have the disease, say experts who want to see changes in treatment standards of ferrets.
>State and local officials are beheading an average of two pet ferrets a week after biting incidents, The Flint Journal reported Monday.
>In two recent cases, a man was jailed for refusing to say where his ferret was and another went to the Supreme Court.

Curious?  Just who is this Rhadluck? Got other ferret questions?  Want to contact me?  Email: rhadluck@usa.net

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