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Post by Deleted on Nov 23, 2013 22:51:55 GMT -5
A little background to start off : I don't yet own a ferret and am learning as much as possible before even going there. Thankfully I get hands on experience with the ferrets that a friend owns. I'm also glad one of the first communities I stumbled upon was the HFF. I've learned a ton already and, coming from a biology background, the natural diet only makes sense. My questions are as such : Which U.S. breeders would you consider amongst the best (and please chime in, breeders. Tell me what you're doing!). I know "best" is relative to your opinion and standards. From what I have gathered, focusing on the dark sable "true" color form is what is best for the gene pool here in the U.S., and worldwide. But yet, I am finding it kind of difficult to find dark ferrets with good bloodlines being produced in the states. I am struggling with the idea of owning a ferret at this point for a couple of reasons. First, I am all for rescuing ferrets from irresponsible and ignorant owners. Above all, the health and quality of life for the ferrets is priority number one. Second, with the amount of genetically weak morphs flooding the United States, I feel a calling to secure a healthy, heavy polecat, beautiful dark pair of ferrets. I keep seeing those dark beauties from Europe and from what can see there really aren't that many here. The problem is I know the hardships of breeding and I am kind of obsessive with getting it right and making sure the animals are perfect and healthy. I would want my kits to be paired up with other healthy kits or given away as "pet-only". Should I just keep a few fixed ferrets from rescues or should I do my small part to better the domestic ferret in the United States? Which path would you choose? Which path did you choose? Ultimately, of course, I will choose a path on my own but I would love to hear the thoughts of the more experienced owners and breeders of this community. Thank you in advance for being patient with a newbie.  |
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Post by Deleted on Nov 24, 2013 13:16:28 GMT -5
All good questions, Mike. Check out PVO ferrets. Pam Vanoverloop is in Ohio and she was featured on PBS, Ferrets:Pursuit of Excellence. She has a website and this summer, we all watched her kits. In the UK: DevonCountyFerrets.uk, they are a member of the HFF. And NancyL is a breeder also, but I haven't seen that she has a website. When I lost my Ponce, I wanted breeder kits, but my three found me, Roamy and Juliet came from craigslist, not sure of their origin and my Mika is a petstore ferrets. Regardless of where they come from, I just want each and every little one to find a safe, happy and forever home. I do agree with you about those lovely dark beauties from Europe, they are something special. I also think that each of us, in our own small way are doing our part to make life better for the domestic ferret in the U.S. thru Social Network, telling our friends, talking to petstore owners, and even letting the employees in Petco know about the HFF, we are all mini ambassadors spreading the word.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 24, 2013 13:27:15 GMT -5
I am no where near a breeder, but I do know, with breeding other animals., that I've noticed it is best to own them as pets before you decide to breed them. Just to figure out there eating habits, what there temperaments should be like when looking for a breeding pair, and what health issues they have, and how you could possible better them.
I to, in the future of course would love to buy a Jill and breed her once. Not to better the breed, but for my own use. I love the idea of having a whole family together living together, never have to be separated.
When researching about breeding them, all you hear is DON'T DO IT. Don't get discouraged, professionals had to start some where. Good luck with your research. (:
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Post by nancyl on Nov 24, 2013 14:15:00 GMT -5
It would be best to own ferrets for a time before making a choice to breed. You will need the experience gained. I would recommend starting with an early neuter. I don't really think it makes much of a difference whether you get one from a rescue, off Craigslist or go to a pet store. But, start there. Learn ferrets by hands on experience. Then, and only then, get a breeder kit. Avoid breeders who turn out fancy colors and whose lines contain black roan mitt within 5 generations. Don't attempt to breed until you have additional experience with breeder ferrets. They are not the same as early neuters. The polecat hybrids are even more different. Do not jump into trying to breed hybrids at the outset. It will be an experience you will not enjoy.
I have owned and bred Arabian horses for many years and firmly believe an animal should never be bred unless it is to improve the breed or species. Breeding anything just for the experience or because I love Fluffy so much should never, ever be the reason.
My take after 30 odd years with ferrets. And, I started with breeder ferrets. They were all that were available. Now, I'm ending with breeder ferrets and have become a breeder. It is not for the faint of heart.
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Post by crazylady on Nov 24, 2013 20:30:09 GMT -5
Hi I agree with all nancy has said I have been around ferrets all my life ( I am in the uk ) I work own breed and judge ferrets all over the world and over the years I have seen great changes in the ferret all in the quest for colour ! gone are the nice broad headed hobs and you see the more triangular head mink is added in for colour then there is the self x polecat mixes ( very few admit to this mixing and simply pass them off as polecats ) whole ferrets are totally different to your marshalls ferrets the most loving ferret a breeder owns can suddenly become a demon during breeding season and think nothing of trying to bite the hand that feeds it it can also eat its young in a heart beat breeding can also be heartbreaking along with rewarding but as nancy has stated you have to be in it for the long haul and the goal should always be for the improvement of the breed I keep nearly all I breed only an odd one ever leaves me you have learn how to keep accurate records of matings illnesses numbers in litters age at death and cause of death ( so if you were to sell a kit ensure you know the new owner well who would give you update reports )and if anything should go wrong then its your responsibility to inform people who have siblings from any litter my advice would be as nancy has stated start with a fixed ferret learn all there is to know and ask yourself is this a life long quest you wish to go on breeders never become rich it costs a lot more in cash time and effort to rear a litter and they need a good back up fund behind them ( for example what if you jill needed emergency surgery to deliver kits could you afford it plus out of hours fees )and what if your jill died could you find a foster mother for the kits at the drop of a hat you need a good net work behind you before you even consider breeding ferrets make friends in the ferret world learn all you can and ask questions I have been owned by ferrets for over 46 years and I am still a novice take care bye for now
Bev
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Post by Sherry on Nov 25, 2013 9:40:45 GMT -5
As the others have said- all very good, very legitimate questions. Myself, I will never breed. Not only would I not have the massive investiture of time needed, I couldn't cope with the heartbreak of losing a kit or two at LEAST every litter. And quite possibly the jill herself. One of our breeders on here had this happen recently. She got a large kit stuck, had to have a c-section, and never made it. Even though she had a foster mom available that mom was so distressed over the loss of her friend BOTH litters died. Definitely not for the faint of heart.
Myself, I'd talk to your local rescue and get one(or two or three) that best suit your lifestyle and circumstances. They KNOW their little ones and will also be there if you are having problems as well.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 25, 2013 13:10:04 GMT -5
I've owned ferrets for many years, both pet store type (marshall farms, ect..) and private bred from both US and England.
I can say first time ferret owners I would highly recommend adopting/rescuing a pet store type ferret. Private bred ferrets usually are much more challenging! I have rescued all my pet store type ferrets and they are soooo much easier then all my private breds!
The "Black Beatuies" you can indeed get them from good breeders in the US, I myself have a gorgeous Black Solid Sable (who even won AFA Black Sable ferret of the year). Hailey came from GFX ferret. GFX does not breed anymore but there are other good breeders that do!
Breeders I highly recommend whom feed raw/prey, adv test, microchip, show and/or judge ferrets, ect:
Four Paws Wrecking Crew - Columbus, OH
JBF - MD
Shady Hallow - MD
Novel Beginnings - State College, PA
LSD - Indianapolis, Indiana
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Post by Deleted on Nov 25, 2013 14:42:48 GMT -5
I really appreciate the replies so far. Thanks!
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Post by Deleted on Nov 26, 2013 1:49:23 GMT -5
Yeah. Don't jump straight into breeding. Certainly not on your own, a breeding mentor is a must have.
Myself, first breeding season i lost a whole litter when the Jill developed a pyometra (infected uterus). 9 kits dead and a half dead Jill, nearly had a nervous breakdown. However, haven't had an issue since and i had a mentor holding my hand every step of the way.
Not for faint of heart. Definitely own them as pets for a while first. Rescues are best, then work on a privately bred fuzz.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 26, 2013 15:56:54 GMT -5
Choosing a ferret breeder is a matter of research, common sense, and knowing about ferrets before choosing a breeder. I hope this guideline help you select a responsible breeder that is concerned with the betterment of the breed. Here is a list of questions you can ask your potential breeder. You will be able to choose a ferret breeder with confidence, and you'll be on your way to enjoying your new ferret.
*Compile a short list of potential breeders you would like to interview.
*Have you made a checklist of the characteristics you're looking for?
*Interview the Breeders. A quality breeder should be happy to answer all your questions. While you’re in the process of finding the right breeder to supply you with the newest member of your family. That breeder should feel as strongly about the well being of your ferret as you do.
*How long have you been breeding ferrets? Do you show? Why or why not?
You want someone who has breeding ferret long enough to know what they are doing.
*How large is your breeding operation? Where do your ferrets spend most of their time?
Are the kits raised in the house, how often are they handled, have they been socialized daily on an individual basis?
Are they used to being handled by strangers?
More than 3 months old, does it run around the house on a daily basis or playpen at least 2-3 times a week?
*What is the family history?
*Ask to meet the Ferret's parents.
*Genetic defects? How are you breeding to avoid those defects?
Breeders should be honest about the breed's strengths and weaknesses and knowledgeable about the genetic diseases that can affect their breed. You want someone who's up-front and knowledgeable about problems in the breed, and someone who's actively working to minimize them.
Ask about an health problems in the background of the kit or adult.
At least the last 5 generations, not just the parents, grandparents,
etc, but their litter mates as well.
What did they die of and how old were they when they developed
the disease or condition?
Did they have any other health issues?
What other health problems have occurred in any of the ferrets
bred by this breeder and at what ages?
*Information on the Kit /Adult
What shots have they had and at what age?
What are they eating, and have they been fed any raw or whole prey?
Has any of breeder's ferrets ever had a reaction to a vaccine?
*What sort of health guarantees does breeder offer?
Your ferret may become ill within days of you bring it home, or ferret may manifest congenital
health defects months or even years later.
What does the breeder guarantee in writing in reference to health and temperament and for how long?
Does the sales contract stipulate that the buyer can return the kit or adult within 1-2 weeks for a full refund or replacement if the temperament or personality is not satisfactory?
Does the contract stipulate breeder’s rights? What are those rights?
*Recommendations? Ask the breeder for a couple references of ferret owners that they have sold within the past year. Call them. Find out if the breeder was fair, if they were happy with their ferret and how any problems were handled.
Talk to people and ask them about their ferrets. Everyone loves to talk about their ferrets. (Ferret clubs, ferret events, ferret forums)
*Do you like the breeder?
Will you feel comfortable replying on this person as a resource to help you if you ever run into problems with your ferret? If you feel that the breeder is rude, ignorant, or disagreeable or breeder doesn't answer your questions, look elsewhere to purchased your ferret, look elsewhere to purchased your ferret. One of the advantages of buying from a breeder is the support and help they can offer you and your ferret.
Good luck in your search for a breeder and your new ferret.
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