5 ms·

Ferrets are used in scientific study? I didn't know that. As a ferret owner: :-(

electromagnetic 12y ago
I have a Rex (velveteen) Rabbit. Not only are they used in cosmetics research, but they're also used for making hats. It's sad, but it's for the greater... slaughter of animals? At least feel comfort in it might save a life. My pets brethren get chemicals used on them to see how well it defurs them, and those that don't get slaughtered like chickens and skinned. Seriously, if you want to be haunted watch a video of how factory farmed rabbits are killed. For animals that really don't make noise, you'd be surprised they're capable of making such haunting screams. I've had a rabbit 5 years and I have dogs, and mine has yet to make more than a whimper.
- Omniusaspirer 12y ago
  As someone who has personally slaughtered and processed rabbits on a small family farm it's certainly a shock when you first hear that scream. Ideally you never do though since a "clean" butcher has the animal largely unaware due to a sudden violent blow to the skull resulting in immediate death (or as close as possible).
  - angersock 12y ago
    rabbitmqctl stop :(
JunkDNA 12y ago
From my days in pharma, I remember they are used extensively for testing anti-nausea medicines because they are some of the few animals that actually experience the symptoms nausea (many mammals vomit, but nausea is actually more rare).
- niels_olson 12y ago
  Ferrets, as I recall, are also a good model airway for neonatal intubations. Pretty sure the animals are sacrificed afterward.
hga 12y ago
As I understand it they're the best animal model for many upper respiratory infections, including influenza. Ideally they only get the sniffles, but with highly lethal strains ... I once knew a ferret owner, they're wonderful pets.
- shiven 12y ago
  ferret owners make good pets too? Nice!
  - hga 12y ago
    Heh. That too! Seriously, a good ferret owner will socialize with their ferrets, the animals need that sort of thing.

I have a Rex (velveteen) Rabbit. Not only are they used in cosmetics research, but they're also used for making hats. It's sad, but it's for the greater... slaughter of animals? At least feel comfort in it might save a life. My pets brethren get chemicals used on them to see how well it defurs them, and those that don't get slaughtered like chickens and skinned. Seriously, if you want to be haunted watch a video of how factory farmed rabbits are killed. For animals that really don't make noise, you'd be surprised they're capable of making such haunting screams. I've had a rabbit 5 years and I have dogs, and mine has yet to make more than a whimper.

Omniusaspirer 12y ago
As someone who has personally slaughtered and processed rabbits on a small family farm it's certainly a shock when you first hear that scream. Ideally you never do though since a "clean" butcher has the animal largely unaware due to a sudden violent blow to the skull resulting in immediate death (or as close as possible).
- angersock 12y ago
  rabbitmqctl stop :(

JunkDNA 12y ago

From my days in pharma, I remember they are used extensively for testing anti-nausea medicines because they are some of the few animals that actually experience the symptoms nausea (many mammals vomit, but nausea is actually more rare).

niels_olson 12y ago
Ferrets, as I recall, are also a good model airway for neonatal intubations. Pretty sure the animals are sacrificed afterward.

hga 12y ago

As I understand it they're the best animal model for many upper respiratory infections, including influenza. Ideally they only get the sniffles, but with highly lethal strains ... I once knew a ferret owner, they're wonderful pets.

shiven 12y ago
ferret owners make good pets too? Nice!
- hga 12y ago
  Heh. That too! Seriously, a good ferret owner will socialize with their ferrets, the animals need that sort of thing.