The Problems With Ferret Breeding
If I think ferrets are great pets, how come I’d never consider breeding them? I’ll do my best to explain.
Ferrets are great companions, full of energy and very curious. You can take them on walks, you can watch them playing with toys, but for me breeding is the one activity I’ll never involve myself in.
More than that, I’m pretty convinced that it’s a task best left to the experts. If you own a ferret there are many things to consider, before embarking on a breeding program.
Ferret Health & Behavior
Having a ferret that’s not neutered/spayed is, of course, a requirement for breeding but many potential ferret breeders don’t understand the issues that affect ferrets without these processes.
Male ferrets become more aggressive and territorial, losing their playful charm. Female ferrets have to deal with a six month heat season, where they can develop health complications if they don’t breed.
Finding Breeding Partners
The very fact that most ferrets are neutered/spayed is one of the biggest challenges in terms of ferret breeding. Finding a ferret that is not closely related is essential, for health reasons, so you’ll often need to establish a network with other breeders in your area.
Manual Intervention
I’m trying to put this as politely as possible but when it comes to ferret breeding there is often a need for the breeder to help with uniting the two breeding partners, though they should never be decoupled by the breeder, due to the male’s barbed penis. This hands on approach does not appeal to me.
Responsibility for Immunizations & Sterilizations
The importance of making sure that young ferrets get their first shots, as well as ensuring they are spayed/neutered seems like a lot of responsibility to carry. Many potential ferret breeders overlook the administration of these vital tasks. You’d certainly get to know your vet, though he or she will be happy to see you, with the costs involved!
Finding Good Homes
Nothing would pain me more than the idea of a ferret going to a bad home. Even if I used my best judgment and insisted on checking that the potential owner had the right equipment and attitude, it would worry me no end to consider that any one of the ferrets was less than happy. It feels like a big responsibility.