WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THESE FANTASTIC CREATURES?
Here are a few ferret facts to get you started!
Ferrets, members of the Mustelidae family commonly known as the weasel family, are obligatory carnivores with a lifespan ranging from 6 to 10 years. Male ferrets, referred to as hobs ferret, weigh between 700g and 2000g, while female ferrets, known as jill ferrets, are smaller, averaging 600g to 900g. Baby ferrets are called kits, and a group of ferrets is termed a 'business.' During the spring and summer months, ferrets can lose up to 40% of their body weight, which they typically regain in winter. Hobs come into season around March and remain in season until approximately September. It is common for hobs and jill ferrets to be castrated before their first season, which occurs around 8 months of age. Jills also enter season around the same time but will remain in season until they receive a hormone implant or can be mated with a vasectomised male to bring them out of season. Some veterinarians may recommend spaying a jill ferret before she comes into season, though this decision varies by individual vet or practice.
KEEPING FERRETS AS PETS
To understand the essential fundamentals of keeping ferrets as pets, including the responsibilities of your duty of care and recognizing the needs of both hobs and jills, we strongly recommend visiting the RSPCA Ferret Information page. This resource is packed with vital information covering various topics such as:
- Environment
- Diet
- Behaviour
- Company
- Health and Welfare
- Factfile
Whether you have a hob ferret or a jill ferret, it’s crucial to be informed about their specific requirements.
FERRET RESCUE GROUP
We also have our own Ferret Rescue page on Facebook, where you can chat with other ferret owners about their hobs and jills. If you have any further questions about hobs ferret or jill ferret care, feel free to contact us directly!
FERRET VASECTOMY
Deferentectomy
Ferrets, members of the Mustelidae family commonly known as the weasel family, are obligatory carnivores with a lifespan ranging from 6 to 10 years. Male ferrets, referred to as hobs ferret, weigh between 700g and 2000g, while female ferrets, known as jill ferrets, are smaller, averaging 600g to 900g. Baby ferrets are called kits, and a group of ferrets is termed a 'business.' During the spring and summer months, ferrets can lose up to 40% of their body weight, which they typically regain in winter. Hobs come into season around March and remain in season until approximately September. It is common for hobs and jill ferrets to be castrated before their first season, which occurs around 8 months of age. Jills also enter season around the same time but will remain in season until they receive a hormone implant or can be mated with a vasectomised male to bring them out of season. Some veterinarians may recommend spaying a jill ferret before she comes into season, though this decision varies by individual vet or practice.
FERRET NEUTERING
We neuter all ferrets before adoption
Ferrets, members of the Mustelidae family commonly known as the weasel family, are obligatory carnivores with a lifespan ranging from 6 to 10 years. Male ferrets, referred to as hobs ferret, weigh between 700g and 2000g, while female ferrets, known as jill ferrets, are smaller, averaging 600g to 900g. Baby ferrets are called kits, and a group of ferrets is termed a 'business.' During the spring and summer months, ferrets can lose up to 40% of their body weight, which they typically regain in winter. Hobs come into season around March and remain in season until approximately September. It is common for hobs and jill ferrets to be castrated before their first season, which occurs around 8 months of age. Jills also enter season around the same time but will remain in season until they receive a hormone implant or can be mated with a vasectomised male to bring them out of season. Some veterinarians may recommend spaying a jill ferret before she comes into season, though this decision varies by individual vet or practice.
NEW FERRET OWNERS.....MARCH / APRIL
Ferrets, members of the Mustelidae family commonly known as the weasel family, are obligatory carnivores with a lifespan ranging from 6 to 10 years. Male ferrets, referred to as hobs ferret, weigh between 700g and 2000g, while female ferrets, known as jill ferrets, are smaller, averaging 600g to 900g. Baby ferrets are called kits, and a group of ferrets is termed a 'business.' During the spring and summer months, ferrets can lose up to 40% of their body weight, which they typically regain in winter. Hobs come into season around March and remain in season until approximately September. It is common for hobs and jill ferrets to be castrated before their first season, which occurs around 8 months of age. Jills also enter season around the same time but will remain in season until they receive a hormone implant or can be mated with a vasectomised male to bring them out of season. Some veterinarians may recommend spaying a jill ferret before she comes into season, though this decision varies by individual vet or practice.