jills killing kits

[sako22.250 3]

my mates jills gave birth on wednesday but decided to kill them on the monday why do you think this happened

[charlie nelly1 142]

is the jill housed seperatly or with other ferrets?

[sako22.250 3]

they are housed together and they both had kits

[PoCk0 40]

I personally split mine up as I find this to be the best way, but some people don't have a problem with keeping them together. Did you touch them or disturb them in the first few days?

[BenjaminCadd 109]

I always split mine up so they are seccure in there own nests, also if you keep poking about as soon as they are born she may eat them, i always leave mine well alone for the first few weeks.

[dogger 100]

had the same thing happen to me 12/13 kits just about a week old and then all gone cant understand it?

[mushroom 13,205]

I always left my jills together, some disappeared some didn't.... survival of the fittest. Not saying it's the correct way just what I did and my ferrets were all bob on at the job

[The one 8,503]

'dogger' timestamp='1335855688' post='2597706']

had the same thing happen to me 12/13 kits just about a week old and then all gone cant understand it?

 

Kelty crunch still has twelve here only thing is shes launching herself at your arm now

[Tug 168]

Some jills just won't tolerate being disturbed, even ones that are well handled and well bonded.

• I've got a separate hutch for the jill in kit that is away from the main group so she doesn't feel threatened.
  
• The nest box is completely enclosed and dark with it's own lid, that way when I open the hutch she doesn't get bathed in light. The entrance is via a tube not a hole so she feels extra secure.
  
• I've got a camera set up in the nest box, so I can watch over the kits and count them without disturbing her.
  

Not all of this is necessary, but it helps to stay clear and avoid upsetting the jill.

[BenjaminCadd 109]

Some jills just won't tolerate being disturbed, even ones that are well handled and well bonded.

• I've got a separate hutch for the jill in kit that is away from the main group so she doesn't feel threatened.
  
• The nest box is completely enclosed and dark with it's own lid, that way when I open the hutch she doesn't get bathed in light. The entrance is via a tube not a hole so she feels extra secure.
  
• I've got a camera set up in the nest box, so I can watch over the kits and count them without disturbing her.
  

Not all of this is necessary, but it helps to stay clear and avoid upsetting the jill.

 

Thats exactly what i mean, i dont even disturb her nest for the first few weeks, then about two to three weeks in she will come out and eat for longer i will then check up on them, people are to impatient trying to count them and see whats whats in the first day.

[The one 8,503]

Could be a young jill first litter on a learning curve ?.

Any sudden or loud noises ?.

You poking about in the nest box ?.

How many do you want ?.

[Guest vin]

I try and have a very sneaky look when the Jill is out having a snack or drink..but its best to leave at least for a week or 2 before sticking your head in.

[sako22.250 3]

i think he went poking around about 2 days after they were born

[The one 8,503]

As its only the first of may the jill will soon be back in season and he could breed her again ,lets hope hes learned his lesson and leaves her alone this time then .

[PoCk0 40]

Some jills just won't tolerate being disturbed, even ones that are well handled and well bonded.

• I've got a separate hutch for the jill in kit that is away from the main group so she doesn't feel threatened.
  
• The nest box is completely enclosed and dark with it's own lid, that way when I open the hutch she doesn't get bathed in light. The entrance is via a tube not a hole so she feels extra secure.
  
• I've got a camera set up in the nest box, so I can watch over the kits and count them without disturbing her.
  

Not all of this is necessary, but it helps to stay clear and avoid upsetting the jill.

 

Good idea getting a camera set up in the box. What do you do about the light levels though if your nest box is completely enclosed?? Surely it'd be hard to see them...