Ferrett breeding

Question
Currently have a Jill and Hob, got them last year october time approx 10 weeks I think.  Vet discouraged us when we took them in to get Hob castrated/vasectomized and told us to wait for her to come into season then bring her in.  When we took them in vet told us it was too late as they were already mating in the cage.

Assuming she is pregnant do we need to separate the male from her (we do now have 2 cages so this is possible) How long before they can go back together? (He has now been vasectomised so this will not be happening again!)Have you got any other advice regarding the pregnancy / babies?

Answer
Hello Amy,

You should keep her separate for the rest of her pregnancy and until the kits are weened.  Male ferrets play no part in the raising of the kits, and he should be kept apart from them, even if he has been castrated. They can sometimes show aggression to the kits or the female, which is why it is wise to keep them apart at all times during this critical period of birthing and weening.  

As far as the pregnancy and birthing, you should have your vet perform an ultrasound to see how many kits you should expect.  Also, have several physicals during the course to ensure all is going well.  Remember that you should find a knowledgeable vet well versed in ferret breeding BEFORE the kits arrive.  PLENTY of things can go wrong!  Some Jills refuse to nurse and they must be hand fed, she may require a C-section, and at times mothers will cannibalize their own young.  Be prepared for things to go awry, as things DO happen.  Also, be prepared to spend a considerable amount of money in the event something does go wrong.        

After the kits are weened make sure you have her fixed.  An unbred female ferret can die of aplastic anemia, and getting her spayed will prevent that!   

Info:
http://www.all-about-ferrets.com/aplastic-anemia-in-ferrets.html

Make sure you begin looking for homes for the new kids now.  A jill can have anywhere between 1 and 13 youngsters, and sometimes it is difficult to find homes for every one of them!  Remember, any jills you keep SHOULD be spayed by 7 months of age to prevent aplastic anemia.  

Info on Breeding:
http://www.all-about-ferrets.com/how-to-breed-ferrets.html

-Cindy P.