Twenty years ago I sponsored a junior high writing club. We put together one issue of a rudimentary literary “magazine” at the end of the year. Having that experience makes me appreciate all the more the quality of Modern Ferret’s content and design. I find it mind-boggling that two people can lay out and produce such an entertaining and informative publication. Modern Ferret is a bi-monthly magazine that is the product and life’s work of two ferret owners, Mary and Eric Shefferman. It is a wonderful magazine with limited availability that is worth ferreting out. With a staff of two, this periodical’s publishing schedule can be somewhat irregular, and sometimes issues are sent to press a bit later than intended.

Anyone who owns or is thinking of owning a ferret will enjoy Modern Ferret. I own three ferrets and find it to be a great source of information for ferret care whether it be feeding, housing, or ferret health. Articles written by veterinarians who specialize in ferrets are very helpful and occasionally I’ve shared these with my local vet. In past issues there have been articles about housing a ferret, choosing a good diet, litter training, introducing a new ferret to another pet, treating common ferret ailments, and many other ferret related topics. These useful articles are written by experienced ferret owners, ferret breeders, or Mary Sherrerman who has also written a terrific book on ferret care.

Each issue has lots of ferret photos that will warm a ferret lover’s heart. If you’ve ever tried to pose a ferret for your camera, then you’ll appreciate the patience of the contributing photographers (usually Eric Shefferman). In the front of the magazine is a feature called “Pink Noses”. Two pages of photographs submitted by readers are presented, some of which capture amusing ferret antics quite well. Several of mine were featured in past issues. In the center of the magazine is a two-page photo “centerfold” that seldom disappoints and often includes the Shefferman’s own ferrets. In addition to the photos there are cartoons, anecdotes, and funny ferret fiction to entertain the readers. Each issue concludes with a “Ferretted-Fairy Tail”. These creative fairy "tails" with ferret characters are written by Mary Shefferman or occasionally by contributors.

Why else would you want to read this magazine? The letters from other ferret owners with common problems, experiences, and concerns are certainly worthwhile reading. If you are interested in learning about ferret products and the businesses selling them, Modern Ferret is a great resource. Also in Modern Ferret you’ll find ferret news and announcements of ferret shows throughout the country. Looking for ferret breeders or ferret shelters? They’re here. If you can’t find an issue of the magazine locally, log on to http://www.modernferret.com/ to subscribe or buy one back issue ($5.95) to see if you like it. I can almost guarantee that ferret lovers or anyone with ferretude will enjoy this magazine.







Recommended: Yes