 Hobs (males) Whilst it is common place in nature, the male of the species is normally bigger than the female however this is not always the situation in all ferrets. Hobs can weigh between 2 lbs and 5 lbs (1kg < 2.5kg) on average and are usually between 17" and 24" in length.
The intact hob ferret has a significantly stronger odour than the female (jill) as this is a consequence of oil production that sits at the base of the coat hair and acts as a means of attracting and detering other ferrets. Through appropriate housekeeping the smell can be managed however it should be stressed that bathing a hob will more than likely make the smell stronger as the ferret will be encouraged to produce more oil and hence a stronger smell will occur. In neutered hobs (term:hobble) the odour is greatly reduced. |  Jills (females) are siginificantly more complex to keep and the section below entitled Neutering and Spaying should be noted and read in full.
As a rule of averages, the jill is smaller than the male but is commonly quicker and more active. Jills can weigh between 1/2 lb and 3lbs (500g < 1.5kg). As with hobs they can be kept in mixed groups however if intact they will require seperation when they come into season. |
Lifespan is an average of six to eight years although up to thirteen years has been recorded.
Background
Ferrets are members of the Mustelid family which also includes weasels, stoats, polecats, martens, mink, badgers and otters. Ferrets are a domesticated species of European or Steppe Polecat originally intended for the control of vermin. They may have been kept by the Ancient Egyptians over 3000 years ago and were possibly brought to Britain almost 2000 years ago by the Romans.
Like other members of the Mustelid family ferrets are lively, intelligent, fun-loving animals with a highly developed sense of curiosity. These much maligned little animals are not the vicious, smelly creatures of music hall jokes - rather they can make affectionate pets and more traditionaly an effective hunting partner. Ferret Colours FERT (Ferret Education and Research Trust) recognises 5 main domesticated colourings:-  1] Fitch. This is a traditional name for the polecat marked ferret. We use the name 'fitch' in recognition that it is a completely seperate animal to that of the wild Polecat; its cousin and also avoids confusion when talking about the difference between ferrets and wild polecats. The coat will reflect the Polecats markings with the common robbers mask across the eyes and dark coloured limbs and tail
|  2] Albino. Also called the English Ferret. A common colouring and widely used in hunting circles due to it having a greater contrast in hedgerows and undergrowth. A true albino will have the white coat with red eyes. The coat can be sometimes slightly orange or 'apricot' in colour if the animal is intact. |  3] Silver. Sometimes called a grey however this is a less common colouring of domesticated ferret. Normally has ruby red eyes and white markings on the chest or feet |  4] Sandy. From light brown to deep golden in colour and can have similar markings to that of a fitch. May or may not have the same face 'mask' markings. |  5] DEW or Dark Eyed White. Coat is normally pure white and very similar to the albino however the DEW will have black or dark ruby red eyes |
Certain clubs and associations recognise more than these 5 basic groups however this is normally linked with show events where show entries / applications are based on colour categories. Names like 'Champagne', 'Cinnamon' and 'Butterscotch' are all variations of the same Sandy colouring listed above. In a similar vein, a Silver-mitt or Silver-Bib is a 'Silver' marked ferret with additional white markings; it doesnt really require an additional colour classification. Coat colour has little to do with character, personality or working ability. Albino animals of all types are often said to be more gentle and docile although there is little supporting evidence. Sometimes albinism is related to poor vision and/or hearing deficiency and this might explain the apparent docility of these animals. But on the whole coat colour is just a matter of variation in nature and personal preference of the owner. A healthy ferret will be a lively, fun-loving and affectionate companion whatever the colour.
Hob or Jill?
There is little difference in temperament between the sexes. Hobs can be twice as large as jills and can seem lazier and more placid. Jills may be daintier, little quicksilver creatures, but there is probably more variation between individuals than there is between the sexes.
RESPONSIBLE OWNERSHIP
Neutering and Spaying Hobs
Hobs have a definite smell and if intact they can become more aggressive when the breeding season commences. If it is intended that two intact hobs are to be kept together then the use of a GnRH implant should be considered as this will greatly supress their seasonal behaviour which can make them become more aggressive and territorial. Please discuss this with your vet and see the Virbac GnRH implant data sheet below. Hobs can be neutered with a minimum age of 6-8 months (post-puberty) however it must be stressed that evidence of early neutering can raise the possibility and the onset of Adrenal Gland disease in mature ferrets. If surgical neutering is an option you consider then the use of the GnRH implant (as with jills) should also be considered and discussed with your vet
Jills Jills come into season each spring and STAY in season until mated. If allowed to remain in season they develop a form of anaemia through the suppression of bone marrow resulting in the decline of red blood cells and can become very ill and ultimately die.
Most vets advise that jills are spayed when they are not in season however this will be a preference of the practising vet. It is easy to tell if a jill is in season as the entrance to the vagina swells very noticeably until it is the size of a small hazelnut. This swelling will reduce and the vagina will return to normal size when the jill is brought out of season however if the jill is allowed to remain is a state of continuously remaining in season then the swelling can also reduce often duping owners into believing the jill is well and there is nothing to be concerned about. THIS IS NOT THE CASE. A jill which is left in season beyond for more than a couple of months is already likely to be suffering from anaemia and if allowed to continue will result in lethargy, hair loss, paleness in the gums, ears and foot pad; all symptomatic of oestrogen induced anaemia. Appropriate means to neuterng / removing a jill from season Best Practice
> Use of GnRH implant†
> Seasonal use of jill-jab‡
> Use of vasectomised hob (hoblet) to bring jill out of season
> Spay / neuter (once mature 3+ years of age) and give GnRh at that time to prevent adrenal disease | Pragmatic > Spay / neuter before first season with a minimum age of 6-8 months (post-puberty).
> An emphasis on leaving as long a period as possible before surgical neutering.
> Advice needs to be given to the owner about the raised possibility of Adrenal Gland disease after neutering and the benefits of giving GnRh implant to prevent and repeating every 24 months. This may occur at any age.
| Not Acceptable
> Allowing the ferret to remain continuously in season. |
This vaginal swelling will also make the jill prone to infection and is another reason for removing her from being in season as quickly as possible. If using a vasectomised hob to bring the jill out of season then it is advised that you obtain a dedicated hoblet solely to service your own jills. There are instances where vasectomised hobs are shared amongst owners and groups but by doing this you raise the possibility of spreading disease and illness. Finding a suitable hob, it being vasectomised by a vet and then keeping it with your group (business) of ferrets is no more problematic than keeping any other ferret. From the jill's point of view mating is a rough business and few escape without being bitten, often quite badly, on their necks and backs. † the prefered implant was originally licensed for dogs however through trials and work carried out in a clinical environment ‡
Time and Attention
Before deciding to have ferrets please remember that it is quite a responsibility. They live almost as long as cats and you need to ask yourself if you are prepared to give them care and attention for perhaps ten years or more.
You will need to make arrangements if you go on holiday. There are some boarding kennels which accept small animals. Alternatively check if you have a reliable friend who will feed, clean and check your ferrets daily. PLEASE! if you find you cannot keep your ferret try to rehome him responsibly. Do not dump him or "let him go" into the wild. FERRETS ARE NOT WILD ANIMALS AND CANNOT SURVIVE ALONE. Released ferrets that are not picked up by rescue agencies face a long, slow death from starvation or are attacked and killed by other animals.
Have Fun!
Have fun with your ferret - or ferrets. Like all animals ferrets respond well to kindness and affection and will more than repay you by becoming gently, entertaining and mischievous companions.
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