My name is Mary McCarty-Houser and my background is:

• Ferret owner since 1992
• Ferret shelter director since 1997 (Pennsylvania Ferret Rescue Association)
• AFA Senior Title Class Judge
• Have mentored under more experienced breeders prior to starting my breeding program
• Background in dog and horse breeding

The main goal in my breeding program is to produce healthy, long-lived, well-tempered companion ferrets. I have well-documented lineages for all of my breeding ferrets to track those lines for any health issues and for longevity. All of my jills are at least one year of age (preferably 2) prior to breeding for the first time. All jills and hobs are retired by 4 years of age and no more than 3 (but usually 1 - 2) litters are born to each jill in their lifetime.

Novel Beginnings Ferretry was established in 2000. We are a small hobby breeder that produces 1 or 2 litter each year. We have champagnes, dark sables, roans and mitts, although other colors and patterns may be available. We have English, Swedish and American bloodlines.

All of our ferrets are tested for Aleutian Disease Virus (ADV) regularly and are negative. All kits have at least their first canine distemper vaccine, prior to going to their new homes at 12 weeks of age.

All our kits come with a four year health guarantee. The main breeding season for ferrets is March through September. We breed our jills once a year, so we only have kits once the breeding season begins. Deposits ($50) are taken once the litter has been born and that will hold your place in choosing order.

All kits are sold on pet contracts and it is the new owner's responsibility to have them spayed or neutered after sexual maturity (between 6 - 12 months of age). We do require proof that the kits are altered.

We will NOT ship our ferrets. A visit to the ferretry is required unless other arrangements can be made to meet at an event or ferret show.

If you are interested in purchasing a kit from us, please make sure you have read the book, "Ferrets for Dummies" by Kim Schilling and have thoroughly researched the websites listed on the Links page.

If you are interested in possibly adopting one of your ferrets, please proceed to the formal application.

Adoption Application