Legalizing Ferrets In California

Ferrets have been banned in California since 1932 when the Fish and Game declared the ferret a wild animal.

Legalizeferrets.org has been working hard to get the ban lifted. Just recently the California Fish and Game listened to those that supported lifting the ban and the few who wished to keep the ban in place. While the meeting ended with the ban staying in place.

The new president, Eric Sklar, is willing to keep hearing about getting ferrets legalized but he has suggested that we work towards getting a bill on to the legislative floor.

The lifting of this ban would allow ferret outlaws (owners) to be able to have their pets without fear of losing them. As it stands now once a ferret is known about the owner has 24-48 hours to get to their ferret out of the state otherwise the ferret would be euthanized. At least the ferret owner has a chance to rescue their pet, unlike some BLS laws that just remove and kill without reason.

Between the entertainment industry and the media, ferrets are portrayed as wild and evil creatures. The sensationalizing of events involving a ferret sometimes is more than when the media report on a dog attack but say it is the result of a pit bull when in many cases that wasn't the breed involved.

Here are just a few facts about ferrets.

1. Ferrets have been domesticated for over 3000 years.

2. Ferrets do not do well in temperatures over 68 degrees (20 celsius)

California can get over 100 degrees (37.7 Celsius) in the summer.

3. Ferrets do not do well in temperatures under 30 degrees (1.1 Celsius)

4. The only ferret in the Wild in the USA is the Black-Footed Ferret (Mustela nigripes) who is actually a cousin to the ferret (Mustela putorius furo)

5. Ferrets are related to the weasel, otter, and mink. People that say they have seen a wild ferret more than likely have seen a mink.

6. Ferrets are NOT rodents. They were domesticated to hunt rodents and rabbits.

7. Ferrets are the third most owned companion pet in the US after cats and dogs.

8. Ferrets are known as domesticated exotics. This differs from the standard exotic animal which is often taken from the wild. Exotic means unusual or different. See #1

9. Ferrets can get heartworms and it only takes one to kill them.

10. Ferrets live on average 7-10 years.

11. Ferrets can be vaccinated against rabies and distemper.

I am asking that all of my followers write letters to the California State Senate and the State Assembly via email urging them to legalize ferrets. Granted there are nearly 400 representatives with these combined lists but if we can get every one of them on the ferret owners side then just maybe a bill will be created and passed allowing ferrets to live openly in California and also open up to those of us with ferrets to visit California. Both options will add more money to the economy of California.


You can view some of the meeting here

Please Help Us Become Legal in California

Nomadic Life with Pets

I know it has been awhile since our last update and for that I am sorry. Things don't always go as planned but most of the time it has been surprisingly happy mishaps.

Since the last post we have traveled to Kentucky back to PA and then to Ohio and landed back in Kentucky for a bit. After the last day of work in Eau Claire, PA the crew and I headed to Kentucky to see my friend C. It was nice to see him and just catch up with him.

C has rats named Fred and George so there was some trepidation about the cats being inside the house but after a close call in the van, the cats were slowly introduced to Fred and George and there was no issues at all.

Nope I didn't hold them as chisel teeth and I don't mix well. Fred is the darker one. They are cute and make C smile.

After two weeks I made the trek back to PA to pick up some mail and spent the month hanging out at the local park in Grove City and boondocking between Wal*Mart and the TA. Boondocking is dry camping in a parking lot. Wal*Mart allows you one night in their parking lot and then you have to be gone for 24 hrs before you can do it again. The TA is a truck stop so overnighters are normal there.

The park was great because at the front of the park was a pavilion that had free wifi so I was able to stay in touch with friends and family...at least until my computer decided it was going to have some problems staying on. Typing on a smart phone can be difficult as the keyboard is small and even with my small hands I often hit the wrong button.

At the back of the park away from the crowds was pavilions that had outlets so I was able to do my sewing and stock up my inventory of ferret clothing and other items to sell. So my day was get up and go to the park after feeding and watering the crew and if I had enough change I'd get a coffee from Sheetz for a $1.00.

Believe me rewards cards are great. Once you get ten cups of coffee or soda you get a free one from Sheetz along with three cents off of gas.

Spend an hour online checking emails and conversing on Face Book, occasionally updating my GoFundMe campaign then to the back of the park where I would set up the playpen for Marcuz and Marylin inside the pavilion  
 and at first the cats would go in their crate since they had the run of the van at night. But after I started getting them use to being on leashes I was able to make a small run from the pavilion to the van, which Boyd thought was great as he prefers to hang out in the van and come out on his own terms. Dood on the other hand thinks he is a dog and will run back and forth while learning some tricks for a treat.

                              Boyd has the white paws. Hanging out in Wal*Mart's parking lot.

Don't let anyone ever tell you that this life is glamorous it has it's moments but there are days when everything just goes wrong and I had one of those days. It was a tuesday and nothing went right from the computer shutting off seconds after it loaded up, the phone acting up, it raining so badly that I couldn't sew, ate half cooked zucchini since I couldn't keep my fire going long enough to get the water to stay boiling. Boondocked at Wal*Mart routine was to walk the ferrets, then Dood, and lastly Boyd. I put my phone, keys down on the floor board just inside the door and took Boyd out closed the door and we went for our walk. once back at the van Dood came over and locked the door. Yep he stepped on the lock, normally he unlocks the door. I tried to get him to come back and unlock the door to no avail. 

The driver's side door wasn't closed all the way but I had nothing long enough to hit the button to unlock the door. Two girls came and tried to get the door open as well. At one point I must have leaned just enough on the door to shut it the rest of the way. The stress of the day came to a head at that moment as the frustration welled out and the tears flowed down my face.

Those two girls stayed helping me find a way to open the van at one point one of them went and found two guys and a girl in jacked up truck. It was them that got the van opened using a fence post and an antenna to hit the button. Needless to say that one set of keys is always attached to my hip now so that will never happen again.

Then thanks to the generosity of two very awesome ladies I was able to go to the Ferret Buckeye Bash, which is considered the largest ferret show on the east coast, as a vendor. These same two ladies made sure I had a place to stay for two nights and the crew loved being in a hotel room with Craig who Boyd decided to adopt as his human for the time period. 

My table at the Ferret Buckeye Bash.

I had a lot of fun again and got to meet Travis Livieri in person. I interviewed him via email back in 2009 regarding the Black-Footed Ferret when I first started this blog.

After the Bash the crew and I have landed once more in Kentucky at C's and the crew got a vacation from us as we went camping, a neighbor pet sat for us. The trip was suppose to be for two nights but rain dropped it to one night.

We were going to hike a trail that was 13 miles one way but after hacking for 4 hours to make it only 2.5 miles and not being able to see the trail markers we returned to camp. Which was a good thing for me as my feet were covered in what are called seed ticks. These things look like strawberry seeds and are tenacious about hanging on. Thankfully C had a scrapper and knew what I needed to do to get rid of them. Only problem I've had is that my psoriasis has flared so badly that is has shown up on my legs which it has never done before but at the same time I am wondering if maybe I brushed up against some poison ivy and when I took my shower I spread the oils. Either way I am scratching badly.

So that is where we are at now. I am running low on ferret food and at the moment no one is buying anything on the auction site that I have some items listed on. We also need some gas money so we can get headed west to Oklahoma where I am hoping to meet up with my dad for a bit and help him out somehow on the apartments he owns there. I owe him a lot since he did buy me the van so I would at least have a roof over our heads.

The plan after that is to head towards AZ where I plan to find a place for the crew and I to land, but as I said plans can change quickly in the nomadic life.


Have a Chittering Good Day,

Jo and the Crew

Wordless Wednesday: Walk for the Animals

Photo taken by our friend Kelly Hoffman better known as H2 to Boris Kitty after the walk.

In the back is Manny getting ready to take a name. Marcuz getting a bite to eat. Then Stylin Edgar and Cousin Chester (Black Footed Ferret) and little Marylin all in the back of the Ferret Chariot.

To see more pictures of the Walk for the Animals click on the above picture to go to Kelly’s site

Have a Chittering Good Black Footed Ferret Day,

Jo

Domesticated Ferrets vs. Wild Ferrets

I am often asked how pet ferrets differ from wild ferrets.

First this is a misconception and I am sure it comes from the term exotic which clumps all unusual pets into this category.

Second there is only one true wild ferret and that is the Black-footed Ferret and while the Black-Footed Ferret belongs to the Mustelidea group the sub species is nigripes.

The Black-Footed Ferret is an endangered species in North America. Ferrets that live in New Zealand are believed to be a hybrid of ferrets and polecats that were cross bred before their release in the late 1800’s to control the rabbits that had previously been imported to New Zealand and once the rabbit population was controlled these hybrids then looked for other prey which was New Zealand’s flightless birds that had no predators. For this reason ferrets are banned in New Zealand.

Domesticated ferrets love to play. They are inquisitive and will check out anything that has captured their attention. Like cats they love things that move, crinkle, rattle, and roll. Boxes, plastic bags, newspapers, balls, and baby rattles make exciting toys along with anything that might have a feather attached.

Like cats and dogs, some ferrets hate the vacuum and will run away from others will attack it or any other machine that makes a similar noise.

What else would you like to know about ferrets?

Have a Chittering Good Day,
Jo

P.S. Would you please nominate us to win a Shorty Award Thank You.

Nominate Manny-n- Marcuz for a social media award in the Shorty Awards blogger category

It’s Official! We are Santa to Gibbs

     In a time of uncertainty and when people are starting to tighten their belts for the coming holiday madness a small speck of light shines through that is more than sparkly wrapping paper. That speck of light is the love of another being whether it be human or animal.

     Enlightened Ferret was started to help people realize that ferrets can make an awesome pet for those willing to go the lengths. It has also taught many that while they may love seeing ferret they aren’t for them beyond the occasional visit. I also wanted to help ferrets less fortunate than my own kids. I feel that I have done that with bring updates about the plight of the black-footed ferret and doing my first twitter pawty for The Heart of Ohio Ferret Rescue.

     Last year I told you about the ferret giving tree and I wanted to help them all but was unable to. This year I may not be able to help every ferret on the trees but will be able to help at least one ferret this year. His name is Gibbs and he is one of twenty-seven ferrets at Stinky Pete’s Ferret Retreat

            

     We at Enlightened Ferret are planning some great surprises for Gibbs and his shelter sibs and the caring hooman that has opened her home to these little guys that bring so much joy to those who truly understand them.

     Other surprises are in the works and as they come to fruit they will be blogged about.

Keep on Chittering,

Jo

Thoughts

     11:30pm December 31, 2009 I sit here with my glass of champagne waiting for the clock to strike midnight. I think about the year we are leaving and what it meant to me. It was a year of good and bad. I lost my beloved Galahad to Adrenal disease and watched my son graduate from high school. I was unemployed for most of 2009 and was able to work on my writing. I received rejection letters and started this blog.

     Many of us have goals for the coming year. Some we have shared and many we haven’t. I know that one of my main goals is to work on this blog and improve my writing along the way. There are other goals but they are for things only in the beginning stages.

     I awoke to more snow today leaving the world a blank page to create something beautiful. I took some pictures of the bloodhound making dogging angels and Lance and James snorkeling in the snow. Gweny couldn't play in the snow because she doesn't have the fur to keep her from getting frostbite.

     While I am not sure of the direction, I am going to take this blog I do know that I want to keep people informed about my three little fur children and their antics.

     I will be keeping up with the plight of the Black-footed ferret and those that are helping to reintroduce it back into its original habitats. December saw Canada releasing thirty plus Black-footed Ferrets back into the wild.

     I look towards the coming year and all the hidden treasures it holds for those willing to take the chance and plunge into it with a child like gusto. I suppose it’s more like the curiosity of a ferret for me. I need to know the hows and whys of things. This can lead me to finding out so much information that I have to step back from it so what is important floats to the top and the rest is washed away.

Happy New Year

May 2010 be the year for us all.

Jo

National Zoo and the Black-footed Ferret

     Congratulations to Chromiumman for being our winner of the Movie Monday Trivia give away.

     Below is Cyan and her six kits. The National Zoo has been a part of the Black-footed Ferret recovery program for 20 years.

     The National Zoo's Conservation and Research Center in Front Royal, Virginia has helped bring back the Black-footed Ferret from extinction by using artificial insemination from frozen sperm from Black-footed Ferrets that was collected in the 1980's and 1990's.

     Cyan's babies are the result of natural breeding. Depending on what time of the day it is. Cyan and her kits maybe sleeping because Black-footed Ferrets are mostly nocturnal. Enjoy the live feed from The National Zoo.

 

Jo

Black-footed Ferret

There are three classifications for animal species in danger of becoming extinct.

1. Endangered. Species require direct human protection for survival.
2. Threatened. Species also referred to as vulnerable. They are abundant in some areas, but their numbers are decreasing or they face serious dangers.
3. Rare. Species either have small populations within a narrow geographic area or are thinly scattered throughout a wider range.

Many factors contribute to an animal’s endangerment. These include but are not limited to the destruction of habitat, disease, and pollution, trade in animal products, overhunting, and the growing human population.

The Black-footed Ferret (Mustela nigripes) might have slipped into extinction without notice had it not been for John James Audubon and Reverend John Bachmman, who described a specimen they had found near the lower Platte River in Nebraska in Viviparous Quadrupeds of North America published in 1851.

The elusiveness of the Black-footed Ferret (BFF) and the fact that the original specimen disappeared sparked controversy over its existence. In 1874, Dr. Elliot Coues made a request for specimens through the American Sportsman magazine and received several specimens in response.

The BFF is an obligate carnivore meaning that they have one main food source and 90% of that is the prairie dog. Not only is the prairie dog the Black-footed ferret’s food it’s burrow provides the ferret with shelter and a home.

The Black-footed Ferret's territory started diminishing in the late 1800’s as farmers actively killed prairie dogs that competed with livestock for the grasslands. By the 1950’s, the BFFs were thought to occur in low density throughout most of their historical range.

The U.S. Fish and Game Commission put the BFF on the endangered list in 1967. A small colony in South West South Dakota was found and was studied from 1964 until its disappearance in 1974.

Biologists feared that the BFFs had lost their fight with humankind and no longer existed. The BFF was placed on the extinct list in 1978.

Three years later in a North West Wyoming town, a rancher’s dog killed and brought home a strange animal that the owner had not seen before. He took it to the local taxidermist who identified it as a Black-footed Ferret and called the wildlife professionals.

A colony of 120 BFFs was found near Meeteetse, Wyoming and was studied. An outbreak of canine distemper killed all but 18 ferrets by 1985. The remaining BFFs were captured and taken to the Sybille Wildlife Research and Conservation Education Unit.

Seven of the captured ferrets reproduced in 1986 and all black-footed ferrets are related to those offspring. A recovery program was developed with the goal of getting the Black-footed Ferret off the endangered list and back into the wilds.

Reintroduction began in 1991 in Shirly Basin, Wyoming with 228 released over a four-year period. There are eight release sites in five states: Wyoming, Utah, South Dakota, Montana, along with Mexico.

The recovery plan was to have a minimum of 1500 Black-footed ferrets back in the wild with 30 breeding pairs per site by the year 2010.

All Black-footed ferrets released into the wild carry a passive integrated transmitter (PIT) inserted under the skin. This transmitter is like the chip we use for our pets. When located in the wild a transponder ring is placed around the prairie dog hole so that when the ferret pops his head up it will read the PIT and record the number. Any wild born BFFs are captured using a specialized trap and a PIT is inserted this takes approximately 30 minutes.

PIT is used in conjunction with geographic information systems (GIS). This is the process of taking information, like topographical maps, and over laying them. This helps to calculate or correlate things.

BFFs are fed prey (prairie dogs) to imprint on that food source. They are also preconditioned (i.e. BFF School) for 45 days in outdoor pens where they live in dirt burrows and learn how to kill prairie dogs before being released into the wild. This gives them a better chance of survival. The life span for a BFF in the wild is 2 years although there was one Old girl that made it long enough to have five litters.

The recovery goal is being hampered by the outbreak of Sylvatic plague, which is similar to the human black plague, and canine distemper in many of the release sites. BFFs are vaccinated against distemper before being released. In hope of controlling the Sylvatic plague, crews are dusting prairie dog town with a product called DeltaDust as a way to kill fleas and in the past, it has been effective in halting the plague. A vaccine has been developed by the U.S. Army and 216 BFFs have been vaccinated by November 2008. The recovery goal is being revised and the date maybe pushed back to 2020.

It is believed that they are a quarter of the way towards the goal, which is a lot more than the 18 BFFs rescued in 1985.

Thank you Travis M. Livieri of Prairie Wildlife Research for the use of the PIT picture and for answering my questions.

Adopt a Black-footed Ferret

Travis Livieri's Blog

BFFs Facts:

Can travel 5-7 miles per hour

First release site was Shirly Basin, Wy

317 kits were born in captivity by June 28 2009

300 BFFs reside in zoos and breeding centers

An average family of four will consume appoxomitely 763 prairie dogs per year

Only one person knows the answer to this question. Is No. 005-041-115 still around or when was the last recorded appearance?

Jo