Ferret Kits; This Coming Season

[Nick3439 83]

So I want a 3rd ferret for next season and as such am looking for a kit this spring.

 

Question from those that have bred ferrets; do you find it difficult to find homes for the kits; and do you end up literally giving them away... Having never bred before; before I decide to breed from my Jill (something I like the idea of) I want to ensure I'm not going to swimming in ferrets 8 months on...

 

I am not rushing into breeding from her (I'd need to find someone with a good working hob first) and if it seems like public opinion is vehemently opposed I may well in the spring get a kit from elsewhere instead... It'd just be nice to breed from her (I've never bred cats/dogs/anything other than humans, and I'd quite like to, but with firm reservations about moving all bar 1 on)

Edited February 24, 2014 by Nick3439

[johnrthrfrd 223]

Answer to your 2 questions are yes and yes.

[krawnden 1,036]

I've found jills tend to be relatively easy but hobs much more difficult. But it depends on what size litter you end up with. My smallest was 3 and largest was 12. But I have heard of a litter of 2. But then again, I've also heard of a litter of 16.

 

Even a litter of 4 would make short work of a whole rabbit by the time they were about 6 or 7 weeks old.

 

If you don't already know of several people who'd definitely want a kit I'd advise against breeding. There are always gazillions of kits about by the summer. A mate of mine has a bit of involvement with his local ferret rescue centre and most summers they end up with at least 70 kits that get handed into them by people who can't offload them anywhere else.

Edited February 24, 2014 by krawnden