Ferret Stopped Working

[steveb 3]

Been out for the second time this weekend and I have a 6 year old working Jill that just stead fastly refuses to go to ground ... Frustrating at best ... Has anyone exspirenced this and have a cure for it ?

[Daniel cain 44,966]

Did you get a mark from a reliable dog?could of been a fox at home?atb dc

[peterhunter86 8,627]

Did you get a mark from a reliable dog?could of been a fox at home?atb dc

 

Hes probably tried it at plenty of different spots

[gnipper 6,411]

At 6 year old she might just have decided she's past it either that or she might have learnt not to bother going down empty holes. Did you have another that went in after?

[jok 3,199]

As above. Either a fox or badger already there. Without doubt something the wee fella doesn't like or down it would go. I don't for one minute think it is age. Try another bury. Jok.

[C.green 3,229]

They do quit after a time feller nowt you can do. I use my line of ferrets for a lot of ratting there good strong ferrets but most quit on them after a couple of sessions. 6 years taking lickings off bunnies has prob sickened it

[steveb 3]

They do quit after a time feller nowt you can do. I use my line of ferrets for a lot of ratting there good strong ferrets but most quit on them after a couple of sessions. 6 years taking lickings off bunnies has prob sickened it

Sounds about right I recon mate .. Thinking about it she could be a wee bit older than 6 even .. This is about the third session she's refused and all the others have been entered and bolted stuff after she's been put back in the box ... Thanks for the replies guys

[The one 8,460]

Maybe knew the burrow was empty did you check it with another ferret ?.

[Gaz_1989 9,539]

Maybe knew the burrow was empty did you check it with another ferret ?.

Yeh he says other ferrets bolted stuff after she was put away?

[Sirblessed 2,511]

Some ferrets just quit like some dogs, time for retirement at 6 she has earned it

[Guest vin]

I've never had one that refused to go down,Unless there's a reason for it.

 

My hobs will not enter if there is nothing home..maybe she just thinks there's nothing at home ? her sense of smell might have diminished or she could be poorly ?

 

I've seen them quit on rats after a few seasons,but not on bunnys.

 

In my opinion they get better with age not worse,they become serious and very efficient hunters,not just going down a warren and running through for fun, Some of the best working Jills I've had and seen work have often been 5-6 season old.

 

Keep a close eye on her,maybe some antibiotics ? a bit of extra grub etc etc.. you never know mate.... There might be life in the old dog yet !

[cantona 310]

As vin said