Getting Hobs vasectomised or castrated?

[Guest ARTEMIS]

Hi,

We're getting a couple of Hobs at the end of the month - it's been AGES since I had ferrets last....

 

Did have a couple many years ago, so am okay with caring for them, training them (as pets) etc.

 

I'm going to read up on Ferreting too.

 

My question is really, is it best to have them vasectomised or castrated - I plan on keeping them together, but DO have seperate hutches available if that doesn't work out (they are from the same litter).

 

Will castrated hobbs be any good for ferreting - or is that going to be out of the question - will they just sit around relaxing and not work once castrated?!

 

Would vasectomised hobbs just fight all the time (I suspect this might be the case)?!

 

I may get more ferrets in the future - but am starting with a couple of (gentle) pet hobs - to introduce my hubby (and kids) to the idea of ferrets!

 

I don't want to rule out the possibilitly of going ferreting with them either - I'm not against a bit of sport (or low-cost healthy meat for the table!!!)

 

What would you do?

Edited June 2, 2007 by ARTEMIS

[lone wolf 0]

my advice if putting them together would be to get them castrated,they can live together but there is always a chance of nasty fighting if you dont get them castrated.just a vasectomy would really serve no purpose,except for bringing any future jills out of season...........................

[Kay 3,709]

I would also castrate if you only ever intend keeping hobs,but if you vasectomise one of them for future use then i would get the other castrated ,my two are still in the same cage and both entire , guess i have been lucky with no fights so far

[Guest ARTEMIS]

I would also castrate if you only ever intend keeping hobs,but if you vasectomise one of them for future use then i would get the other castrated ,my two are still in the same cage and both entire , guess i have been lucky with no fights so far

 

I hadn't thought of that....

 

wonder if it'd be okay to vasectomise one and castrate the other - I mean, would they still want to live together though?...Or would one develop and unhealthy interest in the other?!

 

I guess it would be handy if I get some Jills to have one vasectomised....

 

I know most people seem to think Hobs cannot hunt - only be liners, but it's not unheard of. I wonder if a Hobling or Hoblet will still hunt - I mean, do they loose all interest in hunting after having their gonads severed? Or will it make no difference whether they remain intact or have either of the above mentioned ops?

[Hob&Jill 258]

I would also castrate if you only ever intend keeping hobs,but if you vasectomise one of them for future use then i would get the other castrated ,my two are still in the same cage and both entire , guess i have been lucky with no fights so far

 

I hadn't thought of that....

 

wonder if it'd be okay to vasectomise one and castrate the other - I mean, would they still want to live together though?...Or would one develop and unhealthy interest in the other?!

 

I guess it would be handy if I get some Jills to have one vasectomised....

 

I know most people seem to think Hobs cannot hunt - only be liners, but it's not unheard of. I wonder if a Hobling or Hoblet will still hunt - I mean, do they loose all interest in hunting after having their gonads severed? Or will it make no difference whether they remain intact or have either of the above mentioned ops?

 

I think thats more of an old school of thought. Loads of people use Hobs for Ferreting and Im fairley sure No one on here uses liners (might be wrong though :thumbs-up:) People use locators now, much easier and less hassle than using a liner.

 

My mate has 2 Castrated Hobs and they work as good as most :thumbs-up: I doubt it will effect working abilty

 

Good luck, Im sure everything will work out fine If you do intend on working them, stick around on here and you will learn alot Someone might even offer to show you the ropes

[Guest ARTEMIS]

That'd be great - I need to go ferreting with someone to learn more!

 

Am going to stick around here, and also read some more (have ordered books on ferreting for rabbits and also ratting off amazon)....

 

Not really into rats, but there is definately a problem with them where I am....... cheeky little critters stroll along the footpath, and sit there until I'm a yard or so away from them before shuffling out my way!!!

[Kay 3,709]

neutered ferrets will work as well as entire ones,

[Coneytrappr 30]

My three hobs are castrated and they work just fine. :thumbs-up:

[COMPO 54]

Nuts or no nuts they will still chase rabbits.

 

two castrated hobs will live in peace together forever, if you did plan on getting jills in the future then have one vasectomised, they should be ok living together as the castrated hob wont be any threat to the other.

 

But why bother getting any jill's a lot of folk use hobs, several pro ferreters (ed cook -sporting gun columnist and our own woodga) use entire hob ferrets.

[tornado 0]

I had two brothers that were entire who lived together in perfect harmony for years. They should still work tho even if they are castrated. Wont take their hunting instinct off them

[Madcowz 0]

I have three children and am thinking about getting the snip myself.

 

Hope this doesn't stop me from wanting to go out shooting.

 

/Mad