ferrets-msg - 8/19/10

Ferrets in the SCA and the Middle Ages.

NOTE: See also the files: pets-msg, hunting-msg, mice-msg, rabbits-msg, cats-msg, dogs-msg, bestiaries-msg, p-thts-animls-msg, Ferret-Basket-art, Ferrets-Hunt-art, Ferets-Genets-art.

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    Mark S. Harris                  AKA:  THLord Stefan li Rous
                                          Stefan at florilegium.org
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Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
From: PA142548 at utkvm1.utk.edu (T. Archer)
Subject: Ferrets was : Re: canine
Organization: University of Tennessee 
Date: Thu, 26 Aug 1993 13:09:29 GMT

The reminds me of an elderly ferret I met at Silver Hammer one year.  He was 
friendly. But inert.  I never saw such a weary beast.  I sat down by the 
fire in the great hall and was told, "Don't step on my ferret, you lummox!"

"Sorry, I didn't see him."

"He's a white ferret on a black cloak.  How could you miss him?"

"I though he was fur trim."

(I really did.  He was a nice animal.  But very tired all the time.)
T. Archer
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
E-Mail to PA142548 at utkvm1.utk.edu, mail to ARCHER at that address will
bounce.    "Don't blame me, I voted Libertarian."
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=


From: sari at alpha2.csd.uwm.edu (Sari Ellen Stiles)
Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
Subject: ferret groups/from ferret newsletter
Date: 27 May 1994 14:54:34 GMT
Organization: Computing Services Division, U of Wis - Milwaukee

(whole discussion of ferret health, and what the heck a group of ferrets is
called snipped... as only this segment was pertaining to period... and
immensely amusing.

The 'proper term' for a group of ferrets is given in a number of
fifteenth-century manuscripts, with various spellings, in true
medieval style:
  a Besynys of fferettys
  a Besynes of ferettis
  a Besynesse of ferettes
  a besynes of ferettes
  a Besenes of Ferret
  a Besenes of Firets
  The editor Hodgkin remarks:  'The characteristic attribute of a
ferret.  Those who have been out ferreting with grasp this
reference to the animal's businesslike and methodical manner of
attending to its work'.
  The form 'fesnyng' etc. is based on a misreading by a 19th-century
scholar, who read one of these manuscripts as 'a fesynes of ferrets'
(although I rather like the idea it suggests of 'a fuzziness of
ferrets').
  In Middle English, the word means literally 'busy-ness'.
  On the general subject of medieval lore, the thirteenth-century
encyclopedia *De proprietatibus rerum* offers the following useful
advice for ferret owners (here in a modernised version of a 14th-
century English translation):
  'Wormwood...helpeth against bytynge of weseles and of dragouns'.
  Bear it in mind the next time your carpet shark comes in for
the kill...
  Jeffrey L. Singman
  Middle English Dictionary (University of Michigan)


From: caradoc at enet.net (John Groseclose)
Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
Subject: Re: Scots and cooking (was Re: looking for love in wrong places)
Date: Fri, 16 Dec 1994 18:32:10 -0700
Organization: Who? Me? Organized?

In article <3ct3rq$h3e at usenet.INS.CWRU.Edu>, fp458 at cleveland.Freenet.Edu
(Elise A. Fleming) wrote:

>Well, now, could _I_ pick on a Scots _man_??  Rearrange his kilt,
>remove a piece of lint, stare enraptured as he serenades me on
>his mellifluous pipes?  Sigh-h-h.  (As she shrugs, turns away,
>and plods down the path alone.)

That would depend entirely on HOW you were going to rearrange his kilt. <grin>
It would also depend on how his lady felt about you rearranging his kilt.
My lady's got quite a prejudice about that sort of thing, but I like it
that way.

It's a far cry from the days I wandered Merchant's Row alone and in my
kilt. Some lady ALWAYS had a ferret that wanted to go exploring. Three
different ladies, three different wars, and three different ferrets. I
can't explain it.
-- 
John Groseclose <caradoc at enet.net> WWW site: HTTP://ias.west.asu.edu/


From: jheinen at mcl.ucsb.edu (Jeff Heinen)
Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
Subject: Re: ferrets?
Date: 2 Feb 1997 17:19:39 GMT
Organization: University of California, Santa Barbara

In article <01bc1108$12242320$d988aec7 at mike>, "Mike Davies"
<mdavies at sprynet.com> wrote:
> I know that ferrets have been domesticated before cats and dogs... The
> egyptians had them as pets about 500 years before cats. My question is ,
> considering their use as hunting animals for small game, are our ferrets
> considered period if we bring them to events?If we follow the same rules as
> dogs + ( leashes, and cage) Can anyone see a problem with this , period
> wise?  

Just don't bring them to California.  They are illegal here and they could
get confiscated by the authorities.  There is a myth here that ferrets are
a major cause of rabies and other ills.

-Gottfried
+--------------------------------+----------------------------------+
| Jeff Heinen                    |  "Neccessitas non habet legem."  |
| jheinen at mcl.ucsb.edu           |         -St. Augustine           |
| http://www.calpoly.edu/~jheinen|                                  |
|================================+==================================|
| Department of History          |      Senior Consultant           |
| University of California       |      Microcomputer Lab           |
| Santa Barbara                  |      UCSB                        |
+--------------------------------+----------------------------------+


From: dnb105 at psu.edu (Duane Brocious)
Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
Subject: Re: ferrets?
Date: Sun, 2 Feb 1997 15:00:10
Organization: CAC

In article <jheinen-0202970919460001 at d-38.home-ip.as.ucsb.edu> jheinen at mcl.ucsb.edu (Jeff Heinen) writes:

>Just don't bring them to California.  They are illegal here and they could
>get confiscated by the authorities.  There is a myth here that ferrets are
>a major cause of rabies and other ills.

Check all Laws _anywhere_ you take the furries. Many states and cities have 
laws against them and restricting them. We haven't had any problems with ours 
at events that allow pets (in PA)but check things out in advance. Many people 
are quite clueless about ferrets and as ferret owners we try to show people 
how sweet and friendly they are and eliminate the myths about them. My 
favorite is killing the myth that they stink, I have people sniff their tails; 
they smell like sandalwood incense. A well groomed and neutered ferret smells 
better than alot of dogs (esp. wet ones).

Ferret (3 of them counting me )


From: jheinen at mcl.ucsb.edu (Jeff Heinen)
Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
Subject: Re: ferrets?
Date: 3 Feb 1997 04:12:12 GMT
Organization: University of California, Santa Barbara

In article <19970202225400.RAA20943 at ladder01.news.aol.com>,
brosatyr at aol.com (BroSatyr) wrote:

Ferrets
> have not yet been considered domesticated, as they must still be kept in
> cages. They have not yet developed the loyalty gene as have cats and dogs.

Well, I've owned three ferrets and all of them were allowed free-reign of
the house and also allowed outside.  Never lost one.  They used the
cat-box just like a cat and tended to follow me around the house.

-Jeff
+--------------------------------+----------------------------------+
| Jeff Heinen                    |  "Neccessitas non habet legem."  |
| jheinen at mcl.ucsb.edu           |         -St. Augustine           |
| http://www.calpoly.edu/~jheinen|                                  |
|================================+==================================|
| Department of History          |      Senior Consultant           |
| University of California       |      Microcomputer Lab           |
| Santa Barbara                  |      UCSB                        |
+--------------------------------+----------------------------------+


From: Katherine Penney <katex at teleport.com>
Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
Subject: Re: ferrets?
Date: Mon, 03 Feb 1997 13:34:40 -0800

Mike Davies wrote:
> 
> I know that ferrets have been domesticated before cats and dogs... The
> egyptians had them as pets about 500 years before cats. My question is ,
> considering their use as hunting animals for small game, are our ferrets
> We will be joining the SCA in a few weeks, but we would really miss the
> carpet sharks on the weekends.
> 
> Mike and Jen Davies    ( and Priss and Bear )

Ferrets were "domesticated" work animals in urban areas in England
during the 16th century...Rat Catchers (and, if I'm not mistaken, the
broadside ballad "The Rat Catcher" talks about his ferrets) would send
them under houses to combat the rats...from what I've read, the ferrets
were very much liked by their owner.  Also, I believe I have a painting
of a woman with a ferret...I'll check.

Cats, however, were not considered "pets" in the way they are today...an
interesting tidbit:  Catfur coats were worn in period!!!

Constance

P.S. Don't turn on your dryer when the ferret is in it.

From: Sue Hallock <kendra at ziplink.net>
Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
Subject: Re: ferrets?
Date: Mon, 03 Feb 1997 20:35:42 -0500

Katherine Penney wrote:
> Also, I believe I have a painting
> of a woman with a ferret...I'll check.

Yes there is..it's quite famous and I remember the name but not the
artist. It is a period painting and it's called "Lady with a Ferret"
(pretty original huh?)

Ferrets are wonderful pets but don't expect them to behave like cats or
dogs -- they are thier own critter. If you do take them to events,
especially in hot weather, make sure that they have plenty of water and
also shade -- ferrets do not tolerate heat very well. In the summer, I
used to spritz mine with a spray bottle and they loved it! 

Also if a lot of people handle your ferret (not recommended unless the
ferret in question is very gentle) give the ferret time out at events --
otherwise it could get overwhelmed and irritable. Also do keep the
ferret on a leash. Ferrets can disappear very very easily into any small
hole or pile of garb, or because they're low to the ground could be
stepped on.

And do check the site rules and the state laws. For a long time ferrets
were illegal in Massachussets but the state finally came to their senses
and legalized the wicked, wonderful weasels!

In the East Kingdom we once had the honor of having a ferret-owning King
and Queen and they made ferrets a protected animal for their reign! 

Good luck,
--Kendra of Hollyoake


From: dnb105 at psu.edu (Duane Brocious)
Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
Subject: Re: ferrets?
Date: Tue, 4 Feb 1997 11:42:25
Organization: CAC

In article <5d7ejo$nkc at panix2.panix.com> dpeters at panix.com (D. Peters) writes:

>In article <32F6926E.3AA6 at ziplink.net>,
>>Also, I believe I have a painting
>>> of a woman with a ferret...I'll check.

>Leonardo Da Vinci.

Some art books refer to it as Lady with _ermine_, although it is the wrong 
size and color for an ermine.

Ferret


From: "Eric & Lissa McCollum" <ericmc at primenet.com>
Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
Subject: Re: ferrets?
Date: 4 Feb 1997 13:15:03 -0700

Duane Brocious <dnb105 at psu.edu> wrote in article
<dnb105.148.02BB4E37 at psu.edu>...
> In article <5d7ejo$nkc at panix2.panix.com> dpeters at panix.com (D. Peters)
writes:
> 
> >In article <32F6926E.3AA6 at ziplink.net>,
> >>Also, I believe I have a painting
> >>> of a woman with a ferret...I'll check.
> 
> >Leonardo Da Vinci.
> 
> Some art books refer to it as Lady with _ermine_, although it is the wrong 
> size and color for an ermine.
> 
> Ferret

Check out
http://watt.emf.net/wm/paint/auth/vinci/ermine.jpg
for a view of the painting in question.

Gwendolen Wold


Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
From: lmm at netcom.com (Lisa Mesplay)
Subject: Re: ferrets? [LONG]
Date: Mon, 3 Feb 1997 07:35:23 GMT

Good gentles,

Whoa up for a moment.  I'm purely a lurker, but this thread has raised 
two issues that must be addressed in an ongoing effort to combat 
misinformation about the domestic ferret.  Indeed, even now an 
organization of ferret-lovers in California, people whose ownership 
of a curious, playful, intelligent, animal has made them criminals, 
is fighting a desperate battle for the right to enjoy their pets in the 
green grass under the azure sky.

Note that I do not mean to attack or belittle the people who are basically 
innocently propagating the information.  In the interests of education, then, 
I beg your indulgence of my lengthy post.  

Mike Davies (mdavies at sprynet.com) wrote:
: I know that ferrets have been domesticated before cats and dogs... The
: egyptians had them as pets about 500 years before cats. My question is ,

Sorry, no.  There is absolutely no evidence for this pronouncement.  
There are no records.  There are no remains.  It surely *sounds* great, 
though, doesn't it?  Some people still use this as a well-intentioned 
argument to establish our pets a little more firmly in the hierarchy of 
domesticated animals.  Oh yes, the pet ferret *is* domesticated.  Just 
not by the Egyptians.  This would seem to be somewhat obvious if for no 
other reason than the fuzzies do not tolerate heat at all well, and Egypt 
is located in a pretty warm part of the world.  I once had some in-depth 
information on the Egypt question, but my hard drive ate it.  :(  One 
reason you will see this misinformation printed in several of the early 
books on the pet ferret is simply that books tended to be based on the 
ones that were published before.  Alas, such are the perils of cutting 
corners while doing research for a book.

: considering their use as hunting animals for small game, are our ferrets
: considered period if we bring them to events?If we follow the same rules as

This is another issue entirely.  I'm including some information from Bob 
Church, mainstay on the Ferret Mailing List, researcher extraordinaire, 
and general wag.  The short form is, "Yeah, ferrets are 'period.'"

*************************************************************************

Q: You have written about the history of the ferret.  I am a member of a
creative anacronism society; what can you tell me about the introduction of
the ferret into Britain?

A: A lot, but I'm not going to because I'm a (med) evil person. he he.

To begin with, there are 3 avenues of investigation into the history of an
animal.  1) Archaeological/paleontological research, 2) Historical
documents, and 3) biological aspects.  In the investigation of the ferret,
only the last 2 have been used to any degree, and because of the limited
nature of the attempts, they are inadequate.

Archaeologically, I know of no published accounts for ferret remains, except
of a fairly recent nature (also suffering from a lack of distinquishable
criteria to separate the ferret from the polecat).  So I would postulate
that the archaeological evidence is the worst of the three; in fact, it
doesn't come close to matching the historic written record.

Biologically, the polecat and the ferret are almost identical, especially in
the post-cranial skeleton.  Since no one has extensively studied the two, no
criteria have been established to differentiate them.  In other words, you
can't tell if the bones are ferret or polecat.  Also, the history of the
polecat in Britain is marred by the same problems faced by ferrets; lack of
precise data.  BUt an increasing amount of data are being generated in
genetitics, natural history, etc., to show that the ferret is probably the
descendent of the European polecat, although the possiblity of its being
descended from the steppe polecat cannot be eliminated.

Historically, the earliest records of ferrets date to the 1200's, when their
use to hunt rabbits are mentioned.  This occurs fairly close in time to the
introduction of the rabbit, about a century before.  Are the two events
correlated?  Probably, but without biological or paleontological/
archaeological evidence, the inference is suppositional.

Many people have noted the Roman dependence of ferreting and rabbits, and
have suggested they introduced the ferret in the British isles, but those
suggestions are marred by the complete lack of published evidence.  Even
worse is the assumption that rabbits and ferrets were introduced in new
areas together; there is no proof of that.  BUT, in the absence of any
archaeological remains of ferrets, you could look at rabbit remains, and say
"ferrets are usually common rabbit hunters, therefore it is logical to say
that where one is found, so will be the other, _so_long_as_it_is_
_understood_ thatthe relationship is at best a nominal one.  With that in
mind, consider these dates and take artistic licence...

Rabbits in Menorca 1400-1300BC Ferrets mentioned in Greek plays 450-425 BC
Rabbits in Mediterranean and Africa [by Phoenicans/Romans] 400-300 BC
Ferrets mentioned by Aristotle 350 BC Rabbits in Corsica 204 BC Ferrets
mentioned by Strabo AD 63 Ferrets mentioed by Pliny AD 79 Rabbits on
Balearic Islands/Ferrets to hunt rabbits AD 230 Rabbits in Italy AD 230
Domesticated rabbits in France AD 500-1000 Ferrets mentioned by Isidore of
Seville AD 600 Rabbits in Germany about AD 1123 Rabbits in British islands
AD 1135-1279 Ferrets and Genghis Khan [no primary reference] AD 1221 Ferrets
in England Ad 1223 Rabbits in British mainland AD 1235 Ferrets in Germany by
AD 1245 English ferreter attached to court AD 1281 Ferrets in Queen MAry's
Psalter AD 1340 Ferrets regulated in England AD 1390 Ferrets used for
ferreting in France [Gaston de Foix] AD 1387 Ferrets in poem "The Siege of
Thebes" by John of Lydgate AD 1421 Domesticated Rabbits in Germany AD 1423
Ferrets described by Gesner (Zurich) AD 1551

This is the best and most accurate dates and places.  Of cource, they are
wrong; if a ferret is mentioned at 1390, it just follows that it was there
earlier; it was just the first published or surviving reference.  One more
thing; the rabbit part of the list is both historical and archaeological;
the ferret part is historic only.  Hope the list helps.

**********************************************************************

Now on to BroSatyr's statement about ferrets not being domesticated and 
thus required to be kept in cages.  I can't think of a way to say 
"Nonsense!" without causing offense, so I will say "Nonsense!" with a big 
smiley after it.  :-)  

Seriously, BroSatyr, the ferret *is* a domesticated version 
of the polecat with reduced hunting instincts, perceptual differences, 
and domesticated temperament.  There are several good and logical reasons 
for keeping ferrets in cages *when they cannot be supervised* that have 
nothing to do with their domestication or asserted lack thereof.  I also 
know several good and loving ferret owners who have accepted the risks of 
leaving their ferrets uncaged 24 hours a day, risks which have more to do 
with a ferret's unquenchable curiosity and ability to get into 
predicaments that could prove fatal.

Also from the Ferret Mailing List:

**********************************************************************

   While looking through the info that the USDA Animal Welfare Dept sent me,
I noted that under Part 1 of Subchapter A-Animal Welware..The Definition of
Terms..Under the definition of Retail pet stores...

  Retail pet stores means any outlet where only the following animals are sold
or offered for sale, at retail, for use as pets: Dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea
pigs, hamsters, gerbils, rats, mice, gophers, chinchilla, domestic ferrets,
domestic farm animals, birds, and cold-blooded species.

---

Notice they called the ferret a DOMESTIC ferret and not an exotic or wild
animal. USDA doesn't even concider ferrets to be exotics, but defines them
as DOMESTIC animals.

Now if the California Fish & Game would listen to the Federal Depts..(sigh)

*************************************************************************

Whew!  Any ferret owners (or potential ferret owners) who want to share 
the joys, and sometimes the sorrows, of life with these amazing little 
creatures are invited to subscribe to the Ferret Mailing List.  If you 
are interested, please feel free to drop me a line and I'll forward the 
information to you.  Yes, the FML has its share of controversy, but no 
more than, say, oh, the Rialto.  ;)

With warm regards for fuzzies and their admirers throughout all the 
Laurel Kingdoms,

-- Lisa


From: raven <raven at sierra.net>
Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
Subject: Re: ferrets? Rebuttal
Date: Mon, 03 Feb 1997 06:51:29 -0800

BroSatyr wrote:
> 
> I forgot to explain that some event sites do not allow animals.  This is
> usually the only restriction I have ever seen on ferrets.  One point
> though  Dogs were the first domesticated animal this is proven over and
> over by the fossil record.  They were with man long before written
> history, are first documented with the Egyptians by 3000 BCE.  Ferrets
> have not yet been considered domesticated, as they must still be kept in
> cages. They have not yet developed the loyalty gene as have cats and dogs.
>            Sorry I spend way too much time with the books.
> 
> Bro.

Bro...
Sorry to disagree with you, and not to start a flame war, but you have
some of your facts misunderstood.  Ferrets, are so far as considered,
the only entirely domesticated pet in the world. They no longer have a
'wild' instinct and usually can not survive on their own in the wild. 
Ferrets were used more as a hunting tool until just recently, and so
they do have an 'instinct' to go after certain creatures, like the
family pet rabbit (though I wonder why anyone wants a pet rabbit) or
some smaller rodents.
I am going to assume that you have never had the privilege to own a
ferret, because then you'd know that ferrets are not kept in cages
because they are wild creatures, but because they have an uncanny
ability to get out of really small holes.  Say the size of a crack in
the wall.  When I had mine, and after exhaustive testing, I had
ferret-proofed my residence and allowed them to have the 'run' of the
house for quite a long time.  Ferrets, in MNTBHO are a much better pet
than dogs, who are not yet domesticated, evidenced by how easily it is
for a dog to regress to 'wild' tendencies when necessary.
And I'm sure it was a joke, but a 'loyalty gene' in dogs and cats?  Cats
are loyal to whoever feeds them the longest (no flames please I am a
dedicated worshipper of my cats) and dogs only consider the humans to be
the Alpha of the pack, as can be evidenced by the fact that dogs are not
always the most loyal to their 'owner' but the Alpha of a residence.
I know this is not a post that should be here, because of the subject,
but perhaps if I put something medieval like in here?  Such as the fact
that Plato wrote about 'pet' ferrets hunting rabbits?  Sorry for the
length of this, but I just have to correct disinformation about the cute
little guys, the current state of Paranoia about the creatures in
California proves that.
Raven.


From: dnb105 at psu.edu (Duane Brocious)
Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
Subject: Re: ferrets?
Date: Wed, 5 Feb 1997 07:46:10
Organization: CAC

In article <5d8lpq$o2d at maryann.hu.mtu.edu> dwbutler at mtu.edu (Daniel W. Butler-Ehle) writes:

>However, many people seem to think of the raccoon-colored pet 
>breed as the "true ferrets"...Anyone know what species it came 
>from? (I mean it's obviously in the weasel genus rather than some 
>other mustelid like a skunk or a wolverine.)  Did it come from 
>minks, polecats, martins, fishers, the now-extinct giant 
>sabretooth muskweasel, or what?).  Is the breed even remotely 
>medieval?

The domestic ferret's closest relative is (according to most authors) the 
european polecat with which it readily mates in Britain (have seen videos of 
this occuring). The polecat looks just like a "dark sable" coloured ferret.
Yes, the ferret is medieval and may be the "ratters" mentioned in period 
literature as opposed to the cat. They were used as such by the British Navy 
up to this century.

Ferret


From: lordxbrew at aol.com (Lord Xbrew)
Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
Subject: Re: ferrets?
Date: 8 Feb 1997 07:41:46 GMT

I was going to wait until finished but here are tidbits I have pulled.

Paleontologists indicate that sheeps, goats, and pigs were domesticated by
8000 bc, cattle by 6500 bc, horses by 3000 bc....

the dog was believed to have been domesticated by several dates but
changes int dating techniques have put it about 7500 bc (grzimek 513)

Of the carnivores, the most important domesticated species are the
ferrets, dogs and cats....
The ferret, (Mustela putorius furo) is descended from just one wild
species Mustela putorius (Grzimek, 509)

the Mustelids are one of the most diverse carnavore familes including 65
species, 28 genera and 5 sub familes.

The typical social organization of wild animals tends to disolve...most
domestic animals are less active and show greatly decrease escape
behavior...increased sexual reproduction. Grz, 516) also (dic of ethology
78-79)

Weasels -family Mustelidae.  True polecats are just large weasels...one of
them has become domesticated in the old world.  this is the albino form of
the Eurasian species (Mustela Putorius) (audubon 62:1 :b)

Ferret Mustell eversmanni furo  domestic form of asian pole cat (ency anim
720:3:b)

Order-carnivora
family-Mustelidae
species Mustela putories
(dic anim 250)

the Mustelid family of carnivores is an extremely successful and diverse
group of small to medium-sized mammals. ...2species have been introduced
into New Zealand to control rodents.... Western Polecat - Mustela
putorius:  the western polecat is a solitqary nocturnal creature, it hunts
rodents, birds, reptiles and insects,.  Like all mustelids, the polecat
has anal scent glands, but the secretions are particularly offensive and
are used as a defense, as well as for marking territory..,..the domestic
ferret is probably descende from this polecat. (Larousse, 560)

There were 22 other books which either were redundant on these points or
had no useful information directly about ferrets------so far.

    I continue.

     Immelmann, Klaus. (A dictionary of ethology ) Woreterbuch der
Verhaltensforshung.  Klaus Immelmann and colin Beer.  Cambridge Mass.
Harvard Univ. Press. 1989.

     Dictionary of animals / consultant editor, Michael Chinery. NY. Arco
1984.

     Encyclopedia of the animal world. Sydney Australia, Bay books. 1977.

     Grzimek's encyclopedia of evolution. editor-in-chief: Bernhard
Grzimek. NY. Van Nostrand Reinhold . 1976.

the Audubon Society encyclopedia of animal life/ by Ralph buchsbaum. NY>
crown pub. 1982.

Macmillan Illustrated animal encyclopedia / edited by philip whitfield.
NY. macmillan pub. co. 1984.

the New Larousse encyclopedia of animal life
NY. Crown Pub. 1981

Lord Xbrew.


Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
Subject: Re: ferrets?
From: Lisa J. Rodriguez <LJR2 at wvnvm.wvnet.edu>
Date: Wed, 12 Feb 1997 14:13:01 EST

i almost always take my ferrets with me when i go to events. they seem to
really enjoy it, in fact the older one gets so excited when i set the tent up
and put their cage inside that she runs back and forth and shakes the bars to
get out. most of the people at events react well to them, and i've even had a
woman tell me that her family decided to get a ferret after playing with mine!
just make sure they get a chance to go back to the tent or wherever to rest -
i about wore poor azure out at AEthelmearc war practice 2 years ago; she
climed into the front of my sideless surcoat, wouldn't come out and conked out.
actually, the only down side is how many people don't recognize *me* without
the ferrets, or worse yet, remember the ferrets' names and not mine :)

as to them being period - i once saw a painting of some queen or other with
a small white animal which could be a ferret. the book was unclear as to whe-
ther it was a ferret or an ermine. if i can find the book at home i will post
the queen's name here later.

if you want to see a photo of a ferret at an event look on my aethermearc
coronet tourney photopage. http://wvnvms.wvnet.edu/~ljr2/aecor.html   the photo
is of kitt and bailey, baliey being the small white creature, and kitt being
the owner of the shoulder she is sitting on.

                                            Rufina Saavedra
                                       Shire of Misty Highlands
                                              AEhtelmearc


From: flanna at pobox.alaska.net
Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
Subject: Re: ferrets?
Date: Thu, 13 Feb 1997 08:06:54 GMT
Organization: Internet Alaska Inc.

brosatyr at aol.com (BroSatyr) wrote:
snip

>I would really like to see the information on the
>Egyptians haveing ferrets.  I don't go for that one much as I have rarely
>seen cats get along with ferrets, and those are of the modern (desented
>ferrets) domestic versions.

>Bro.
As I recall, having given my ferret books to folks who were thinking
of buying one on loan, what the Egyptians had are called "ichneumons"
in the text, which is a ferret-cousin very much more like a mongoose
in appearance and disposition. The De Young Museum in San
Francisco..which has a new website somewhere but I missed the addy on
the tv show that mentioned it..has a huge gorgeous Belgian millefiore
tapestry  from about the 14th century..I think..showing a group of men
and women and dogs hunting rabbits, with snares over the holes. In the
lower lefthand corner a lady is taking a white(!) ferret out of a
basket to send down an open hole after bunnies!

My 4 cats all like ferrets..they think they're demented kittens who
never grow up and need to be bathed a lot!

Ferrets and iguanas, however, are NOT good playmates, as we've found
to  our dismay..especially when the iguanas are large enough to eat
them.

Flanna


From: dnb105 at psu.edu (Duane Brocious)
Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
Subject: Ferret Info
Date: Wed, 19 Feb 1997 13:42:44
Organization: CAC

For those needing reliable info about ferrets, contact this organization:

American Ferret Association
P.O. Box 3986
Fredrick, Maryland 21705-3986

Tel. (301) 663-6616

Their education contact is : Fran Wiles


From: <NZSM at spis.co.nz>
Organization: South Pacific Information Services
To: markh at risc.sps.mot.com (Mark S. Harris)
Date: Wed, 12 Feb 1997 13:14:02 +1100
Subject: Re: ferrets?

> What are the problems with having children and ferrets? Is this
> worse than say, children and cats?

In my experience I would say, probably (depending on the 
personalities of children and animals involved) the major problem 
with a ferret is that, once latched on to a target object, they have 
this rather disconcerting tendency not to let go without a great deal 
of persuasion....

I believe that there is a line somewhere in Shakespeare or Johnson or 
someone, where a servant is encouraging his master in wooing a maid;

"Be not like the ferret to let go your hold with blowing"

-- one of the better ways to detach a latched ferret is to blow down 
its nose (or bite its tail).

We put our ferret in friends' hands after having to detach him from 
the cheek of our firstborn. An unnerving experience (we still love 
the wee critturs -- the children just have to be considerably older 
to learn how to handle a ferret safely).

> Yes, there have been some recent news reports here of an effort to
> eliminate both the wild and pet cats in Austrailia.

Feral cats are a major problem here too for much the same reason as 
the stoats (carnivourous, agile, tree-climbing). Ferrets present far 
less of a problem but do represent a threat to the lizard population. 
And then there's the adandoned dogs doing over the kiwi population -- 
one German Shepherd is estimated to have killed over 100 kiwi in three 
weeks. *sigh*

It's nice having these animals, but they do really need to be 
controlled responsibly.

katherine kerr, temporarily ferretless


From: "Charlotte A. Gilmour" <rgbailey at aiinc.com>
Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
Subject: Re: Lost ferrets (long)
Date: 24 Feb 1997 18:13:45 GMT
Organization: Gilmour

Good gentles,

This has been a very interesting thread/debate.  Here are some interesting
facts regarding ferrets that I would like to share with you (I have many
pets, although I much prefer to call them friends) currently I have the
pleasure of two ferret friends, Una and Luna. 

Ferrets are members of the Mustelidae family, which include the weasel,
mink, otter, sable,  badger (ferrets don't have the badger temperment,
thankfully ;) and skunk.  The European polecat and the steppe polecat (from
Siberia) are both considered possible ancesters for the domestic ferret
(note the word possible since this is a matter of debate).  Here in the
U.S. the black-footed ferret, which is on the endangered species list, is
often referred to as 'ferret', however; they are NOT related to the
domestic ferret whatsover, confusion enters here due to the fact that the
sable ferret has black feet, but in no way are they related to the rare
black-footed ferret.

While there are always exceptions to the rule, it is highly unlikely that a
lost ferret will survive on their own in the wild...here's why...they have
been domesticated since the times of the ancient Egyptians (about 3000 BC)
therefore they have lost their instinct to survive in the wild alone.  Of
course there are some 'working' ferrets, who have full range of their
domain but this can'not be considered living in the wild, since they will
come to eat just like the other animals (some studies indicate that ferrets
have <at least> the intelligence of a dog) and they will stay within a
certain range of their home.  Ferrets have been used to control rodents,
hunt rabbits and believe it or not to help repair wiring in airplanes in
tight places (this would further indicate their intelligence).

Another reason why the vast majority of ferrets would not be able to
survive on their own is because breeders only breed the most docile adults,
this gets passed down genetically, therefore sometimes what used to be
natural quarrey might now be their best pal (and sometimes not ;) not to
mention the fact that most ferrets whether male or female are neutered or
spayed, necessary!  especially for the females since they are susceptible
to aplastic anemia and septicemia, which are the leading causes of death in
female ferrets, if she is not spayed or repeatedly bred she has little
chance of surviving the first heat season, the vulva will swell when she
comes in heat and can become infected 
resulting in death.

Ferrets are basically healthy little fuzzies, although they can share colds
with us (however I think it possibly more serious for them, therefore I do
not let people who are ill hande my pals).  They should always have their
shots, rabies (although studies have shown that they do not shed the rabies
virus through their saliva as readily as other animals it IS necessary
since they can STILL get it and PASS it on) it's like Russian roulette,
DON'T take the chance (especially if you take your friends with you to
events, you don't know what is out there).  There is some debate (but
generally is accepted) that they are not particularly susceptible to feline
distemper (although there have been a few confirmed cases) but canine
distemper WILL kill your ferret very quickly, and can be brought into your
home by something as inconspicuous as the bottoms of your shoes, while you
must have a vet administer rabies vacine you can get the canine distemper
vacine at feed and pet stores and administer it yourself (most vets will be
happy to show you how) and it will cost about 1/3 of the cost at the clinic
(the instructions on the box will say 'do not give to ferrets', so I went
to the vet to get the vacine to administer myself, it WAS the same stuff
and cost twice as much, so if in doubt ask a vet who cares about animals
and not money).

Aside from this ferrets have been some of the best friends, their
intelligent, hardy and most of all tons and tons of fun (especially if you
have more than one)
and you can put two of them in a standard cage (for example:  at night for
their own safety) since they are one of the few creatures kept as pets that
don't mind confined spaces, possibly because they sleep a lot, but let
there be no misconception here, they must be allowed out on a regular basis
to play in a ferret-proofed area, hopefully once per day for a significant
period of time. If a person were to have two probably it would be better to
get them at about the same age, since when one crosses the Rainbow bridge
it is not uncommon for the survivor to be miserable or to even pine away.

Well, I could go on and on but I guess I better quit ;) if anyone wants
further information please just ask (don't get the impression that I am an
expert, I just read a lot).

Most Sincerely,
Charlotte Anne Gilmour
Tearlag Anna Ghille Mhuire


From: katarndt at aol.com (KatArndt)
Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
Subject: Ferrets
Date: 25 Feb 1997 18:26:10 GMT

If looking for Ferret info in California look for California Domestic
Ferret Ass. on the web (CDFA). The page is known as the weasel web and
worth checking out for those in Calif. who want ferrets but must await
legal decree to make it possible. 


From: Laura McKinstry <dalm at why.net>
Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
Subject: Re: ferrets?
Date: Sun, 02 Mar 1997 10:32:58 -0600
Organization: The Why? Network

Missed the initial posting, but regarding whether ferrets are period I
have a small clue wroth chasing down by periodologist (I'm a harper
myself and busy chasing down true period melodies)

Ferrets are naturally buff-and-black with characteristic "mask" like a
raccon, which is a distant cousin.  The reson you see so many albino
ferrets is that they were used for hunting - their job being to chase
the rabbits out of the holes in a manner that hounds cannot.  Whether
the rabbits were then shot, ormerly snared at the hole I don't know,
but  to get to my point, it's very hard to FIND your ferret again, once
the rabbits are caught, if you can't SEE your ferret.  Thus, extensive
breeding of albinos was underatken, and use of more humanly-sociable
ferrets was undertaken.

Ferrets have NOT been breed for use/companionship by humans for as long
as cats or dogs, but it's been long enough that domestic ferrets are now
VERY frequently albino.  They're still wilder and less controllable
/trainable/companionable than cats and dogs.  With this information,
look at hunting tapestries to date ferret use by humans.
--------------------------------------------------
Laura McKinstry   aka   Lark of Cire Freunlaven
Dallas, TX              Steppes, Ansteorra
           dalm at why.net


From: demontalt at aol.com (De Montalt)
Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
Subject: Re: Animals ..and Barbies
Date: 3 May 1997 07:46:48 GMT

Since somebody mentioned ferrets I thought I would mention a little
incident that happened to me a couple years ago.  A close friend of mine
had a white ferret named Snoopie.  I used to call it a rat and I think
that it understood me because one day while it was out playing in the
living room it got a hold of my cigarettes (my only vice to be sure :-P) 
and pulled them under the couch, where he proceeded to empty the pack and
line them up in neat little rows before chewing them up one by one.
Needless to say after calming down I decided that since I couldn't in good
conscience Kill the foul beast, I would be better off being nice to it.
Since then it only spills my drinks.

Brien de Montalt          "Between the idea and the reality,
mka S.W. Walters        Between the motion and the act,
De Montalt at aol.com     Falls the Shadow."    T.S. Elliot "The Hollow Men"


From: paximus at aol.com (PAXIMUS)
Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
Subject: Re: ferrets
Date: 30 Mar 1998 22:13:37 GMT

Ken Mondschein wrote:>
I just wanted say that the painting is of a girl and an *ermine*, it's
>by Da Vinci, and it was a heraldic pun, and perhaps a personal jibe.<<

Very true or at least thats what the art historians believe. But, if you look
at the portrait carefully and look at the ermines face and then the womans
you'll see that they look incredibly the same. Its said Da Vinci really did not
like the "sitter" and he did this on purpose.

Buona Fortuna
Don Giulio d'Medici
The Italians RPFS
http://members.aol.com/paximus/LaCompagnia.html


From: Yumitori no Kiyoshi <yumitori at montana.com>
Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
Subject: Re: ferrets
Date: Mon, 30 Mar 1998 16:19:57 -0700

> : how common were pet ferrets as opposed to hunting
> : ferrets (thinking here of the renaissance painting "The Girl and the
> : Martin")?
> 
>         I just wanted say that the painting is of a girl and an *ermine*, it's
> by Da Vinci, and it was a heraldic pun, and perhaps a personal jibe.
> --
> Ken Mondschein

        Well, that's what the title of painting names the beast, but anyone
familiar with ferrets and ermines can clearly see that it is the former
(unless Da Vinci had /no/ sense of proportion).

        Yumitori


From: Duane Brocious <dnb105 at psu.edu>
Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
Subject: Re: ferrets
Date: Mon, 30 Mar 1998 20:26:03 -0500

Clare Gatenby wrote:
> I am very eager to know who used ferrets (peasents? gamekeepers?
> nobility?)?

The ferret was about as common as cats are in the U.S., as early as
Roman times the cat was not popular outside Egypt and cat ownership was
illegal in the Empire (keeping the peace with Egyptians who didn't see
their sacred animals as "pets" and "mousers")

> how they were used (did techniques resemble modern ways of ferreting?)?

As mousers they were allowed to have their run of the place (much as
British farmers do today)
As rabbit hunters, that hasn't changed much either.

> how they were kept? how common were pet ferrets as opposed to hunting
> ferrets (thinking here of the renaissance painting "The Girl and the
> Martin")?

In the late medieval period they were very popular adornments (living
stoles as it were), The painting to which you refer is usually called
"Woman with Ermine" because of its white color, yet it is far to big for
an ermine! It is definitely a domestic ferret (white being the clue,
sables are almost identicle to the related European Polecat)

Ferret


From: Yumitori no Kiyoshi <yumitori at montana.com>
Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
Subject: Re: ferrets
Date: Tue, 31 Mar 1998 12:52:14 -0700

> Ken Mondschein wrote:
> >
> > No, he did. Trust me, he did. It seems a bit big for a ferret. It's an
> > ermine.
> 
> Duane Brocious wrote:
> 
> >Except that nobody at the time would have mistook a 5 pound ferret for
> >an eight ounce ermine !
> 
> Ok, guys, which is it?  (laughing behind my hand)
> 
> Conchobar o Suileabhain, Also known as Conchobar of Kamrun

        From the size of the animal in the portrait, it is not only a ferret,
but most likely a male. It's simply too large to be an ermine.

        For those who are unfamiliar with the portrait, and would like to see
it for themselves, it's online here -

http://www.tiac.net/users/drbeer/joyce/ferrets/frhistpg.htm

        Further information on ferrets is quite easy to find online. One site I
like is Ferret Central (http://www.ferretcentral.org/). There's less to
find on ermine, but you might look at
http://www.ermine.ca/ermine/index.html for some basics. 

        Yumitori


From: Dietmar <XgraubartX at pacbell.net>
Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
Subject: Re: ferrets
Date: Tue, 31 Mar 1998 13:10:35 -0800

Greetings good gentles,

It may be tilting at windmills but I'm going to try to inject some facts into
this argument in hopes of resolving it.

Russ Gilman-Hunt interjected:

>Ok, guys, which is it?  (laughing behind my hand)

From what I've been able to determine, the word ermine is used to describe the
white winter coat of many different weasels (genus Mustela of the family
Mustelidae), but especially a -large- European weasel (Mustela erminea).  The
word ferret (Mustela furo) is usually used to describe a domesticated (often
albino) polecat (Mustela putorius).  There are all types of weasels of varying
sizes.  For more fun, look into the mink and the related martens (genus
Martes), sable (M. zibellina), fisher and Pekan.  Also related (members of the
family Mustelidae) are the skunk, otter, badger and wolverine, et al.

The main source of trouble is that these are somewhat generic terms used for
many different related species.  It could be what Duane Brocious thinks of as
an ermine, is one of the smaller weasels that change coat.  My dictionary
says, and "Larousse Encyclopedia of Animal Life" confirms, the following:

Ermine -- Any of several weasels that assume white winter pelage usually with
more or less black on the tail esp. a large European weasel (Mustela erminea).

Ferret -- A partially domesticated usu. albino European polecat that is
sometimes classed as a separate species (Mustela furo) and is usually used
esp. for hunting rodents.

Polecat -- A European carnivorous mammal (Mustela (or Putorius) putorius) of
which the ferret is considered a domesticated variety.

Stoat -- Ermine; A weasel with a black-tipped tail -- used esp. of an animal
in the brown summer coat.


From: paximus at aol.com (PAXIMUS)
Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
Subject: Re: ferrets
Date: 31 Mar 1998 21:38:45 GMT

Taken from the book "The art of the Portrait"

Leonardo di Vinci: The lady with the Ermine
(Cecilia Gallerani)

"As the Greek word for it is (gale), a knowledge of Classics would enable the
spectator to see the name of the animal as a pseudo-etymological pun on the
first two syllables of the sitters name(Gallerani)"

"Furthermore, the ermine was one of the emblems on Lodovico's coat of arms; its
purpose here was therefore to call attention to his qualities and powers"

This portrait is of Cecilia Gallerani who became the amorata(Mistress, lover)
of Lodovico Sforza, Duke of Milan.
The animal in the portrait has been identified and documented by the experts as
an Ermine.

Don Giulio d'Medici
http://members.aol.com/paximus/LaCompagnia.html


Subject: Re: ferrets
Date: Tue, 31 Mar 1998 07:51:48 -0500
From: "Lisa and/or Niely Morgan" <zacksmom at pinn.net>
To: "Stefan li Rous" <stefan at texas.net>

> I'd also love to here from fellow ferret keepers in the SCA (email:
> cgatenby at postoffice.sandybay.utas.edu.au)
>
> Clare

I had a ferret for years.  She will always be among my favorite pets.
While I did not often take her to events (back then I was a new member and
college student...no time)  I was around others who did.  The universal rule
of ferrets is this- a well behaved ferret is a constantly handle ferret.
Those of my friends who treated them like cats or hamsters, I.e. kept to
their cages or loose with no attention had biters.  Those who treated them
like dogs,  took them lots of places, watched television with them, played
LOTS had polite ferrets.  I also recommend carrying baby wipes to clean up
poop.  Some wipes come with little boxes that fit into your purse.  That, a
little bowl for water or food,and a leash and you are all set for a day at
tourney.  I wish you well in your new motherhood.  Ferrets are a joy.

Niely Morgan


Date: Sun, 8 Apr 2001 16:52:29 -0700 (PDT)
From: Anne du Bosc <mordonna22 at yahoo.com>
Subject: SC - Wild Ferrets

Black Footed Ferrets are native to the Americas and have long been considered the most endangered mammal on the North American Continent.  For more information see
http://www.ngpc.state.ne.us/wildlife/ferret.html

Mordonna


Date: Mon, 9 Apr 2001 11:37:54 +1200
From: "Phil Anderson" <phil at dev.spis.co.nz>
Subject: Re: SC - ferrets - OT

Stefan asks:
> Wild ferrets? What I'd heard was that ferrets had been bred so much that
> they'd lost their ability to live in the wild, that one that went feral or
> tried to, would quickly die.

Wild ferrets are a pest in New Zealand, partly because they eat native species which aren't evolved to cope with mammalian predators, and partly because they spread bovine tuberculosis.

While many ferrets doubtless couldn't cope in the wild, it is not true that domestic ferrets in general cannot do so -- rather like the case with cats...

Edward Long-hair,
Southron Gaard, Caid


Date: Sun, 8 Apr 2001 17:18:38 -0700 (PDT)
From: Anne du Bosc <mordonna22 at yahoo.com>
Subject: SC - Wild ferrets vs. feral ferrets

For a discussion on the relationship between black footed ferrets and domesticated ferrets see
http://www.ferretcentral.org/faq/history.html#mustelids.

 There is also a section on feral ferrets. (in the author's opinion, there are no naturally occuring feral ferret populations)


From: "Steve" <aesop_2000 at yahoo.com>
Date: June 28, 2010 11:29:39 AM CDT
To: trimaris-temp at yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [tri-temp] OT question...

> The guy asked me if I was diabetic

> because it's supposedly something that ferrets naturally do.

> They sense the blood sugar being off and they bite you to tell

> you that something is wrong and you gotta do something about it.



It sounds like someone was feeding you a healthy dose of hooey. 

Ferrets bite for several reasons. It is a natural instinct for them, and a hard habit to break. They bite when they are anxious or stressed, and they tend to be high strung animals. They bite when they are feeling hyper, and due to their digestive system, they are almost always hyper. (Ferrets have relatively short digestive tracts, so they eat a LOT of small meals, so they are constantly getting small bursts of energy.) 

They don't have large or sharp claws, so they bite in defense, when they're feeling threatened or are in pain. Biting is also how they play. They nip ears and legs and necks and drag their toys (or siblings) around with their mouths. They also communicate with their mouths, nonverbally. They bite when they want attention, when they want to play or are trying to communicate their feelings, like hunger or sickness or fear or pretty much any idea they want to get across. The harder the bite, the more emphatic the message. If they draw blood, consider yourself yelled at...

They can be trained to refrain from biting, but it isn't easy. You're working against evolution.



Turold



From: Debbie Hunton <reynapaubi at yahoo.com>
Date: June 30, 2010 11:25:14 AM CDT
To: trimaris-temp at yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [tri-temp] ferrets

One thing most people don't know about ferrets - if the females aren't spayed, and they come into season and aren't bred, they will die of anemia. It is almost impossible to prevent without breeding her. :(
I've been on the Ferret Mailing List (which is now approaching it's 25th year active) for 15 years. Very interesting stuff. :)



Debbie



--- On Tue, 6/29/10, Archerelf1 at aol.com wrote:


<<<  

She was also from an off brand breeder (not a Marshal ferret) and we 

discovered that she had not been properly fixed when she was about 1 1/2 years old. She started to come into heat and we had to have her fixed again. It 

happens due to them being so young when they are fixed and the parts being so very small, sometimes things are missed. >>>


From: Debbie Hunton <reynapaubi at yahoo.com>
Date: June 30, 2010 11:31:44 AM CDT
To: trimaris-temp at yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [tri-temp] ferrets

I've had ferrets since the early 1990's, with a total of 8 having been part of my family in that time. I have only had a ferret draw blood in two situations - one when she was in total pain, and I touched the sensitive spot; the second was "hyper active" and would draw blood if she was excited or tired. The others have never drawn blood with their teeth (and with their claws only when they wanted DOWN or UP and I wasn't quick enough, so they were scrambling LOL).


I love my ferrets, but they are social creatures - they either need a LOT of your time, or a second ferret to keep them company. They play throughout their entire lives, never really growing out of the kitten/puppy stage. If anyone would like to discuss these little loving critters offlist, feel free to drop me an email any time. 

:D

Caitilin ni Killane



--- On Tue, 6/29/10, Mailli Dombross <maillishop at gmail.com> wrote:


<<< 

Something to keep in mind, an easily startled ferret is likely hearing or 
vision impaired. I had a sprite (spayed female) that was completely deaf. If 
you startled her, something that was not hard to do if she didn't see you, 
she'd bite.




From: Debbie Hunton <reynapaubi at yahoo.com>
Date: June 30, 2010 11:40:10 AM CDT
To: trimaris-temp at yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [tri-temp] ferrets

Absolutely true. Since we're on the "facts about ferrets" kick :) I'll add two important facts:
1) Ferrets don't make taurine in their systems (cats don't, either), so they need it in their food. Ferret foods and cat foods provide it. High ash content, high carb content is bad for them; high protein, high fat content is good for them. There's obviously more to this discussion, but for the uneducated who feed their ferrets DOG food... this is vital info.
2) Ferrets imprint on food via smell at a young age. A ferret released in the wild will not survive, as nothing smells like his kibble, so he doesn't know that anything is edible. Again, vital info for the uneducated.

As for ferret smells, there are three things to do to reduce the smell:
1. Change the litter box every day.
2. Change/wash the bedding (hammocks, blankets, anything fabric they lay on or in) every week.
3. Do not wash the ferret any more often than once a month - their skin puts out oils, and fresh oil smells stronger, so when you wash away the old and their body has to replace it, they have a much stronger odor.

OK, stepping back from the teaching podium... at least for now. :D

Caitilin


From: Archerelf1 at aol.com
Date: July 1, 2010 7:18:54 AM CDT
To: trimaris-temp at yahoogroups.com
Subject: [tri-temp] ferrets and habits

Over the last 9 years, I have had/been-owned-by/ferret sat 16 different 
(and they are all very different) ferrets. 
A couple like to bite my feet/ankles but have only drawn blood a few times. 

One would play a little aggressively and I don't think he realized his 
actions. He had been played with by previous owners more aggressively so that's 
what he knows and he plays very rough with the others to the point that I 
cage him separately but let him play with the others during "energy burn" 
time. I occasionly have to disconnect him from one of the others but then, 
they seem to try to antagonize him sometimes, too.


The original ferret, Stinker, was a sweet and loving little girl. She would 
get in the bed with me and play with my feet and legs. She seemed to like 
scratching at my legs in the bed but liked to bite my feet, not in a mean 
fashion. If she bit me and I said, "Oww, oww, oww," she would quickly change 
from biting to licking my feet as if to say, "Sorry, sorry, sorry." It was very 
sweet.


Kyre likes to play with my feet. She chases them and will grab me from time 
to time. She is playful not mean.


Ferrets can be taught not to bite by several methods. You don't have to be 
mean to them to break them of the habit. And sometimes it's not a habit, 
it's a stage they go thru like puppies. Notice I didn't say they grow out of it 
because mostly they never grow up, tho they do grow older. 


My oldest had to be put down recently, as many of you know, because she was 
8 years old and her body had become over run with adrenal disease. Her body 
was very tired.


However, there are aggressive biters that intend to do damage. I have been 
bitten by one at a pet store. Someone did buy that one knowing it would do 
damage. I hope it has a good home. It bit thru my thumb cuticle and pad deeply 
and wouldn't turn loose. I had to pry it's mouth open to get it off of me, 
all without screaming in the pet store. My thumb was sore for several wks. It 
was my own fault as I was told before I picked it up. I don't blame the 
ferret for my ignorance. I know better.



just another 2 cents worth.



Mar of Unst

Baroness of the Court, Trimaris

Captain of the Rangers, Trimaris

Squire and Protege to Sir Erika Bjornsdottir

<the end>
Edited by Mark S. Harris	ferrets-msg	Page 23 of 23