Where and why are ferrets illegal pets?
California, Hawaii Washington, DC; Dallas, Ft. Worth, Beaumont, and various other cities in TX; Bloomington and Burnsville, MN; Tulsa, OK; Columbus, OH; London, York, and East York, Ontario, Canada; Puerto Rico Although ferrets aren't actually illegal in New York City or Minneapolis, MN, they are not welcomed and may be confiscated or ticketed. Similarly, although it's legal to own ferrets in South Carolina, it's not legal to sell them there, and the state is known to be pretty ferret-unfriendly. Many military bases ban ferrets. It seems to be at the discretion of the base commander. Permits or licenses are required in order to own ferrets in the following places: New Jersey ($10/year), Rhode Island ($10/year), Illinois (free). Permits are also required in St. Paul, MN, and may be difficult to obtain. These lists are by no means complete, so check locally before you buy a ferret.
Is Petsmart an evil breeder?
I know some cheap chain pet stores like Petco are comepletely evil when it comes to breeding merchandise (and treats em like merchandise too. They're animals, for christs sake.). And it's what makes some of their animals not very good ones. Is Petsmart like that? What animals are primarily affected by it? I heard it's mainly dogs, but what about smaller animals like guinea pigs and mice?
How much would it cost to get the scent glands removed from a ferret?
They actually don't need them removed, The main things with the smell of a ferret are Neutering and clean litter. Also, bath your ferret LESS. Over bathing them causes them to produce more oils in their coat, and this can be a bit smelly. They should be bathed once when brought home and then 3-4 times a year at MOST. Thier scent glands actually don't cause them to smell, they can use them to 'poof' kind of like a skunk, but it doesn't last long and fades away. They only do this if extremely frightened or threatened. Ours never has. Neutering or speying almost completely eliminates the smell, as it reduces oils they secrete. The smelliest part of them is their poop, but a clean litter tray will mean no smell. It depends on the amount of work you're willing to put in. Lastly, feed your fuzzy a diet with NO fish, it makes their poop REEK! In all, every animal has a smell. If you put your nose on your dog, he will smell. Cats smell. Horses have quite a strong odor. Rats, Hamsters and mice smell. Birds smell. My ferret is actually the least smelly pet i own, i put my nose in her coat and stroke my cheek on her and can only smell the FAINTEST of musky animal smell, which i find pleasent not offensive. It's so slight i can't smell her when i'm holding her unless i put my nose on her. If your VERY concerned, you can buy a marshall product that you put in their drinking water that reduces the odor of thier poop and urine.
Does anyone know of any pet skunk breeders in Michigan?
Skunks are extremely hard to take care of. I have an adopted skunk. I got her from a Skunk Rescue in Florida, but there are others around the country. Make sure you are ready for the HUGE responsibility of a Skunk. They are about $300 from a breeder. You have to get them spayed/neutered for health reasons, which will cost you around $300. They also have to have vaccinations once a year which costs $150. They are very messy, and very destructive. You have to feed them twice a day fresh vegetables, fruit, yogurt/cottage cheese, etc. http://www.skunkhaven.net/StatesForm.htm... Michigan State Law says that cage requirements must be met, and DNR will come to inspect before issuing permit. http://www.skunkhaven.net/index.htm#Proj... This is a great website about Skunk ownership. Please read all the information carefully before making the decision. You can contact them to see if there is a rescue in your state. Good luck!
Why are the ferrets so expensive?!?
LOL, the ferret's the least expensive thing when it comes to ferret ownership! I paid about $223 for my female ferret that I got in New Brunswick, and $110 for my male in Maine. They typically come neutered and descented with their first distemper shot, then it's another $100+ to get the rest of the vaccinations. The cage is about $300 in Canada at least, and don't even get me started on food! They can and will get at least one illness in their lifetime and it will cost you $1000+ to treat it. They're so expensive because they're considered "exotic pets" by most people, AND they're so likely to get sick in their lifetime! They need a very high quality, specific diet. Also, things are SO much more expensive in Canada.
How become an USDA licensed hedgehog breeder?
You must be 18 years of age to apply to be a USDA Class A breeder under the Animal Welfare Act. Before that age, a parent may file an application and engage you as an "assistant" until you can obtain your own license. But that is a lot more to it than than - ethically, at least. Because there was a lot of inbreeding done by profiteers in the mid-1990s, a registry was established in 1997 to assist quality and ethical breeders to only breed hedgehogs from known and clear blood lines, to avoid hereditary fatal illnesses. Today, we would recommend people only obtain a hedgehog from a breeder member of the Hedgehog Breeders Alliance (HBA), who must comply with a very exacting Code of Ethics (read it on their web site). HBA breeder member hedgehogs generally sell for between $150 and $250, but the price is well worth it when you consider their guarantees, aftercare, and the fact that they only breed registered hedgehogs from known and clear blood lines. Hedgehogs from profiteer breeders, backyard breeders, wholesalers, and pet stores will, in all likelihood expose caretakers to the pain of an early death from cancer or paralysis from degenerative myelopathy. A USDA license only assures that the breeder is complying with federal law and standards, which does NOT include breeding from clear bloodlines to avoid fatal hereditary illnesses. Some breeders pretend to be ethical and quality breeders, but if they do not register their hedgehogs with the International Hedgehog Registry (IHR) and cannot show a legitimate pedigree line, then I would avoid such a breeder. The HBA is an independent nonprofit breeders association and the IHR is a wholly owned subsidiary of the International Hedgehog Association, which is a charitable nonprofit association. So, in addition to obtaining a USDA license, I would also apply to the HBA, since you are "the most responsible teenager - ever!" Best wishes, Z. G. Standing Bear at The Flash and Thelma Memorial Hedgehog Rescue, Inc., in Divide, Colorado USA, USDA Class C Exhibitor (zoo) (84-C-0075), Colorado Licensed Animal Rescue and shelter (PACFA #3190), and a member of the Colorado Federation of Animal Welfare Agencies.
I want to buy a sugar glider/flying squirrel. Where can I get one?
Hi, the craigslist idea is a good one, but keep in mind you'll probably be getting a glider that hasn't had a lot of human contact. They tend to be rehomed multiple times, making them even more shy (ie terrified) than the average glider. If you're up to the task of working with an unbonded glider, it would be a great way to give a glider in need a great home. If not, keep up your search for a local breeder. I don't know of anyone specific in your area, but if you go to http://www.sugarglider.net you can view a breeder database, see gliders for sale and even post a glider wanted ad in the classified section. You may be able to find someone in your area, or someone who can ship to a local airport. My recommendation is to stay away from pet stores and flea markets or big shows that have mass amounts (or even just a few) gliders for sale. These usually come from glider mills, and these guys are on the same scale as puppy mills. Horrid conditions, and usually sick gliders are sold far too young. Not all pet stores fall under this umbrella, but many are just too ill informed on gliders needs to keep healthy well adjusted gliders. As for flying squirrels, I've heard there is a huge waiting list on them, but then again I don't know too much about them. Hope that helps!!