What two ferrets to start with?

[PaddockSteve 0]

Hi Again

 

The urge to get Ferrets to support my rifle hunting is growing, and thanks for replies to my previous post

 

Just wondering, what two ferrets should I be getting to start with, not for breeding just for hunting, two males? two females?, one of each but neutered, differnt families? quite a choice of combinations, and I guess while I am asking, what sort of age would you suggest for a complete novice handler

 

Many thanks in advance

 

Steve

[scothunter 12,609]

I work jills mostly.only keep hobs for moving on jills that have laid up.

[Aaron_butcher 17]

Both have pros and cons mate. Just down to personal preference.

Jills are smaller so dont get tangled in nets as much as hobs but can have trouble shifting stubborn bunnies. They smell less than hobs but must be taken out of season each year or spayed. Can live with other jills or castrated hobs all year round. Seem to lay up less.

Hobs are bigger so can shift the more stubborn rabbits but will kill and lay up more than a jill. Tangle nets more. They dont need taking out of season and will scrap with other males during breeding season.

etc etc etc.

I prefer jills and I think most people do.

Hope that helps mate.

Aaron

[The one 8,503]

Do a fair bit of research over the net mate check out work ,housing breeding etc before you even think about getting ferrets

[stealthy1 3,964]

The ideal combination is two jills, and one snipped hob for me, but you could have two jills and find someone with a snipped hob in the Spring, or you could go for two hobs, and hope they get on during the breeding season, your choice

[Brimmer 220]

One of each (male and female) is a good starting point, but will require seperate cages during the summer unless you get the vet in on the old bits.

Most of what Aaron said is correct, apart from the jills needing taking out of season, (allthough its probs safer in doing so, but never had a problem myself.)

Albino's seem a little easier to handle above ground, due to there limited sight, but still do the same job beneath the sod.

If you get this years young you probs will spoil them unless you only give them light work, so a couple of older ones will probs fit the bill.

If you dont intend to breed from them it does not matter if you get related animals, but as Stealthy said, a snipped hob could cover the jill and take it out of season for you.

[para1 11]

One of each (male and female) is a good starting point, but will require seperate cages during the summer unless you get the vet in on the old bits.

Most of what Aaron said is correct, apart from the jills needing taking out of season, (allthough its probs safer in doing so, but never had a problem myself.)

Albino's seem a little easier to handle above ground, due to there limited sight, but still do the same job beneath the sod.

If you get this years young you probs will spoil them unless you only give them light work, so a couple of older ones will probs fit the bill.

If you dont intend to breed from them it does not matter if you get related animals, but as Stealthy said, a snipped hob could cover the jill and take it out of season for you.

 

You beat me to that one mate.Jills do not NEED to be taken out of season.

I prefer jills.

[Aaron_butcher 17]

Isn't it bad for them if you don't? Build up of oestrogen or something?

[jamiew 11]

hi steve, i started with two jills i took good advise from a experienced ferreter, and ive had no probs one thing i will say i have polecats and can be hard to spot in some areas,atb jamiew

[proper22 5]

One of each (male and female) is a good starting point, but will require seperate cages during the summer unless you get the vet in on the old bits.

Most of what Aaron said is correct, apart from the jills needing taking out of season, (allthough its probs safer in doing so, but never had a problem myself.)

Albino's seem a little easier to handle above ground, due to there limited sight, but still do the same job beneath the sod.

If you get this years young you probs will spoil them unless you only give them light work, so a couple of older ones will probs fit the bill.

If you dont intend to breed from them it does not matter if you get related animals, but as Stealthy said, a snipped hob could cover the jill and take it out of season for you.

 

You beat me to that one mate.Jills do not NEED to be taken out of season.

I prefer jills.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I disagree from what i've herd the build up oestrogen leads to bone marrow suppression, pancytopenia and eventual death. -

 

so i dont risk it and run my three jills with a visectomised hob

[shepp 2,285]

Vasectamised hob and jill

[PaddockSteve 0]

Thanks for the advice Guys

 

I think I am going to start with a couple of Jill's and a Hob that has had a vasectomy

 

Not too far from me is a Ferret rescue centre, any thought on getting recues for Hunting?

 

Cheers

 

Steve

[The one 8,503]

Uless your getting kits from a rescue i'd watch out as i always think there ,there for a reason but some folk have had good workers from a rescue

[shepp 2,285]

Thanks for the advice Guys

 

I think I am going to start with a couple of Jill's and a Hob that has had a vasectomy

 

Not too far from me is a Ferret rescue centre, any thought on getting recues for Hunting?

 

Cheers

 

Steve

 

I'm sure someone on here can let you have a couple.

[masmiffy 82]

Guy from my village went to Wood Green rescue centre for a ferret.

They told him they had plenty but wanted him to pay £50 for one!!!

Next week in the local paper the were saying they had lots of ferret bu no one wanted em!!

For £50 a pop they will have a real problem 're-homing' them!!!