Marshalls is the largest Ferret breeder in the world. Shouldn't they have better standards? I hate seeing new ferret owners buying these wonderful creatures only to have their hearts broken 2 to 4 years later when they die of a disease that could have been avoided due to better breeder. They just AREN'T responsible breeders. 

Marshall's needs to CHANGE and ADD to their bloodlines. We love, love LOVE our babies. I hate seeing future generations born from this now "mill" with so many issues. Their ferrets are inbred. End of story. I am 31 and have had Marshall ferrets for 24 years and have really seen the quality go down hill. When I was a kid my Marshall ferrets lived for 7, 8, 9 years, now I'm lucky if I get 4 years before cancer or another disease strikes. My one ferret now is so inbred his legs are little stumps and he has trouble going up ramps or even getting on the couch. Its sad. In the US not all of us have the luxury of finding a private breeder, there isn't one close to everyone. Marshalls is often our only choice. I HATE seeing this happen to these wonderful animals.

Marshall's needs to be more responsible as a breeder and add to their gene pool. Ferrets used to live 10+ years, then it went to 5 to 7 years, now in the past few years I've noticed Marshall ferrets are lucky if they make it to 4. They've even made Petco change their information pamphlets. Instead of 9-10 years, they now state 4-5 years. Even Marshall's knows their animals life spans are getting shorter.

Anyone with me? Lets make this happen. Lets let Marshalls know that WE know what they are doing and as a ferret community we aren't okay with it. They aren't just pets. They aren't just a profit to us. These are LIVING creatures. They are our FAMILY members. These our BABIES.