2 new Jills tried out this morning(advice needed)

[guinness 0]

Took my 2 new jills(6months old) out this morning which is first time I've ferreted in 20+ years. Both had locator collars on but I only tried one at a time.I was out on my own on friends land .

The set I tried was in woodland but no bramble cover so easy to net, it had 12 holes and I netted them all there was loads of fresh sign.

 

This is what happened and I'd be grateful if anyone could tell me if I cocked up or how I could do better.

I netted them all up really quietly and put my 1st jill in with her locator. She took a few minutes to sniff about before she went down and I let her do it all at her own pace. She was down a few minutes before she came out of another hole and got the transmitter collar caught in the net which she then dragged all back down. This happened a few times and on one occasion she pulled out of the net leaving the collar stuck and went back down again. Whilst I stood there cacking myself I heard drumming underground and thought I might be in for a bolt. She came back after a bit and I was able to get the collar back on and in she went again. After 30 mins I took her out and put her back in the box to let the other one have a go.

The second jill did pretty much the same getting snagged in the net. At the end of about an hour with no rabbits out I took them both home and they're now well asleep. I cant help thinking that after having to reset the nets so many times I must have talked the rabbits into staying down.

 

Just like to know should I let them have more trips without using nets just to get the experience and not try to net the rabbits or should I keep at it with the nets so they get used to passing through them.

Also is a 12 hole set to much for inexperienced ferrets, or should I have put both down at the same time.

Either way they had a great time and so did I but would just like a bit of advice to get our first one in the bag. I should be out again tomorrow.

 

Guinness

[gibby 0]

First of all you will need to make sure the collar is tighter to stop that happening again but you will soon get used to how tight it needs to be. I wouldnt be too worried about them dragging the nets a lot of ferrets get caught up at first but will soon learn how to pass through them.

 

It is possible that there were no rabbits at home, but if you heard a rumbling then the rabbit might have bolted to another level of the warren rather than bolt out. Because your jills are inexperienced they may not have found the other levels. Personally I wouldnt look too much into it, give them another chance in a different warren. Also 12 holes is quite a lot for their first time but dont worry too much about it, it just means that the rabbits may be harder to find.

 

It is a good sign that your ferrets went down the hole without being forced. Before long they will find a rabbit down there and their instincts will kick in!

 

So all in all mate dont be too disheartened, your ferrets will soon learn how to explore warrens better and also how to pass through the nets. :thumbs-up:

 

Like I say too, it is still possible that there were no rabbits at home

 

Good luck tomorrow!

Cheers

[guinness 0]

Thanks for that mate. I was a bit worried about how tight the collar needs to be I didn't want to strangle them but I was amazed they didnt try to take it off. I'm out for another crack tomorrow cos they absolutely loved it as did I. Cheers better go and untangle the nets now

[guinness 0]

Thanks for all the advice if not too wet I shall be out for nother go tomorrow.. I'll be more switched on with tightening the collars though .Cheers all