Desented ferrets

Question
Hi

There this pet-store that sells desented ferrets they aren't spayed or neutered. In the future I would like to begin breeding ferrets this is the only place that sells ferrets that aren't fixed. My question is will desented ferret breed? Also at what age do they come in heat? Does the male have a heat cycle like the female or is he in heat all the time?

Answer
I'm sorry, but I find this hard to believe. Most pet stores get their stock from Marshall Farms, a ranch located in New York. The ferrets are altered and descented prior to leaving the ranch. The cost of the descent surgery is very high. I can't foresee descenting and not altering. The next time you visit this pet store, check the right ear of the ferret. If it has two dots tattooed, it is a Marshall ferret and has been altered. One dot stands for spay/neuter, the other dot is for descent. The pet store should also have paperwork on where the ferrets came from.

Now, as for breeding. If you truly have your heart set on breeding, I would contact a breeder and join a group that is specifically for breeders. Breeding is not easy. I know, I had a litter born here. There are many things that can go wrong with a pregnancy and it is very costly. Prior to selling your kits, they should have vet care. The distemper shots must be given to start their immune system up against this disease. You will have to pardon me, but from what I read, you are no where close to being a breeder. How many ferrets do you own? For how long?

I truly believe that you need to educate yourself before you even entertain the thought of breeding.

Mary