phantom pregnancy

Question
I mated My one year old jill ferret (slinky), with Widget (my nine year old ferret), Just before he died, Hoping to rear his offspring. Slinky did all things a pregnant ferret would do, She ate lots, became obsesive etc, Then nothing ?. My vet said she may have experienced a Phanton pregnancy, And gave her an ystrogen injection, So she wouldn't come into season again until this year. Do you know why this may have occurred, Have you any experience of this happening to your ferrets?. Also I have made Slinky so tame, She is no longer a ferret, but a loving creature who trusts me 100%, I also trust her 100%, What a perfect pet.

Answer
Hello, thank you for your question. I myself have no exp. with breeding ferrets. I have however researched this a bit, and can only guess that the phantom pregnancy may have been due to it being your Jill's first breeding, and possibly due to her younger age. I am sorry it didn't take, it would have been nice for you to have your Hob's bloodline continued.
I am glad to hear that your Jill is a wonderful pet...They really are amazing little creatures.
thank you, and take care
amy