What age to start a ferret?

[Gooner 143]

Well now got three of this years kits, just wondering at what age to take them out?

I know not to expect too much from youngsters, but would like to get out soon, so any advice welcome,

[johnmac666 2]

Well now got three of this years kits, just wondering at what age to take them out?

I know not to expect too much from youngsters, but would like to get out soon, so any advice welcome,

how old are they now mate ??

 

i got kits from this year & will be starting them at 5 month ( nov ish)

i have had/heard loads of conflicting advice, some say next year, some say this year , advice i been given is just start them on small 4/5 holes & if possible get someone who has ferrets working & get them showing the young how its done, i got mine going through pipes & nets, get them used to having collars on , mine went nuts when i put collars on tried sliding along ground to get them off & they did !! its amazing how tight you can put a collar on get them used to being out in open as they mess a lot when young , if you do a search on here you will find a few threads about working young ferrets, hope all goes well & best of luck for the season,

 

regards john

Edited September 3, 2009 by johnmac666

[Gooner 143]

Thanks John,

Have had two of them wearing collars, no problem and they go through pipework in the garden.

Two are 5 months and the other is only 11 weeks.

I will probably wait another month and try the older two with a mates who has some with have a couple of seasons behind them.

[rosspti 2]

I would say 20 weeks is a good age to start them on real warrens. Don't expect miracles at that age, but the more you work a ferret the better it will get in all respects: hunting, handling, etc.

 

Get them well used to collars before you start using them. I can't see a problem with collaring them from 10 weeks - just for a half hour here and there to get them used to it. Maybe with some treats while they're collared - as a distraction. They should be completely happy with being collared before putting them to earth.

 

If you can get some pipes for them to practice in then again, the sooner the better.

 

ATB

[drwolly 8]

I took both mine out in the oct (7 month old) I let them kill the first rabbit they bolted, they soon got the taste for it! first outing we got 9 in a morning work.

[nod 285]

Took my young un out today only in a 4 holer, put the old one in to clear any rabbits out (2) then put him down the empty warren just to get used to the smell of the warrens, 3 n half months he is wont put him down properly for another 6-8 weeks though

[Fat-Ferret 857]

Took my young un out today only in a 4 holer, put the old one in to clear any rabbits out (2) then put him down the empty warren just to get used to the smell of the warrens, 3 n half months he is wont put him down properly for another 6-8 weeks though

 

14 weeks is far too young, let the kit be a kit.

[pencoed hunter 7]

Id say 6-7 months but not sure this is first time I got a kit