Update on the kits

[joan]

They're 5 days old today. Sadly, 3 tiny jills didn't make it...they died by the end of the second day. All 3 weighed 6 g and were probably 8 g at birth...I've never had any survive more than a week who were that small at birth and lost weight the first day.

The remaining 8 are fat little things with gray coats and black noses.. I finally was able to sex them this morning while Cybill was chomping down a mouse. There are 6 hobs and 2 jills.

I'll keep the best jill and the other one is spoken for. The best two hobs will remain here until they're at least 5-6 months old. so that will leave 4 available to new homes at 12 weeks. I do give priority to those who will feed them raw/whole prey and the kibble feeders on my waiting list know this.

[katt]

Ooooo I want one! Too bad you are so far away. And my hotel is full... *sigh*

I think I just crave babies. Koda grew up and I got Kenai...Kenai is growing up and now I want another baby! If I keep getting new babies every time the newest one grows up I will be overrun! ;D ;D ;D ;D

Any pictures yet?

[goingpostal]

Sad about the little jills but at least you got a 8 little fatties alive and well. Those will be some lucky new owners to get those hobs! Do you have any kibble feeders on your list switch over to raw to get bumped up? I think it's great you try to get them into raw fed homes. I also can't wait for pics of your babies.

[Deleted]

Sorry to hear about the loss. I'm not sure if I could handle that (guess it comes with the territory with being a breeder).

On a positive note though, congrats! I bet they are all beautiful! Cannot wait for pics!

[joan]

Sorry, no pics until they're at least 4 weeks old and someone visits who has a digital camera. I allow visitors to interact with the kits from 6 weeks on, so I should have some pics of them then.

Jackie, I've had a few say they will feed a raw/whole prey if I'll let them have a kit. I tend to take that with a few grains of salt, but will consider them ahead of the ones who intend to feed kibble if they qualify otherwise.

[Sherry]

I'm so looking forward to seeing baby pics! It let's me get my baby " fix" vicariously ;D

[crazylady]

im sorry its always heartbreaking when this happens I think its simply natures way of ensuring the strongest survive i am sure your babies will be beautiful congratulations to you and mum for doing a great job take care bye for now
Bev aka crazy lady

p.s oh and congratulations to dad of course lol

[joan]

I feel the same way, Bev...I've never agreed with those who go to great lengths to try to save a kit who's not doing well. IMO, there's something seriously wrong with them if they need human intervention before they're 3 weeks old and ready to start the weaning process.

Basil says, "Thank you." He is not a happy camper these days, as he really misses Cybill. He's still in full rut, so I can't let him out with my other jills. If I sit down while he's out running around, he climbs into my lap to be snuggled and commiserated with. He's definitely one of the most people oriented hobs I've ever had, as he's almost as friendly with everyone he meets.

[fearless]

I meant to ask Joan, where are you located? Might help for those who are interested.

[joan]

May 21, 2011 16:01:09 GMT -5 @fearless said:

I meant to ask Joan, where are you located? Might help for those who are interested.

Austin, TX...a LONG way away from most of you.

[Deleted]

No kidding! That is quite a ways away. But excellent to see Texas have an upstanding breeder of furry ones.

[Deleted]

Congrats on the new babies!! how exciting! I hope when they get old enough you'll share pics, I love seeing the kits!

So sorry for the loss of the other kids, so sad

I would of LOVED a hob, Although they will be great, they wont be the right color I'm looking for right now . I am in the market for another Champagne hob. On a few different breeders waiting lists.

Sucks no one seems to have champagnes this year!! And ones that do, I either do not like their breeding ferrets (structure, color, ect) and/or breeding ethics (I am looking for a breeder that does raw/prey, good pedigree, adv testing, ect...) I am very particular about breeders lol My friend has a litter due here next couple days and I'm hoping for a champagne hob so we shall see what she has.

If I'm in the market for a sable, I'll have to keep you in mind Wishing the babies and mom best of luck! Keep us updated on their progress and would love pics!

[Heather]

Awww, I'm sorry Joan for the loss of your wee little jills. I suppose it all part of the whole parcel when breeding. There is great joy and great heartbreak. I'm glad to see that the others are doing so well. Congratulations to your pair...give them hugs and snuggles and offer special snuggles to poor lonely Basil. I have a special soft spot for the hobs, they are a snuggly lot when they're not thinking about business ;D
ciao

[fearless]

May 21, 2011 16:53:09 GMT -5 @joan said:

Austin, TX...a LONG way away from most of you.

How much are you selling the kits for? Do you spay/neuter?

That's not far from my mom Haha.

Do you breed for certain colors? I know someone close to there that was interested in a breeder ferret from the Fort Worth area on another forum.

[Heather]

Ferret breeders usually won't sell their kits altered as it's best not to alter at least until they're a year old or older. Only the farms spay/alter at such early ages. There is usually an agreement that is written up between breeder and buyer about when the spay/alter can occur and other care details as well. Most breeders have a list of criteria that has to be met not only before they will consider you as a new home for their kits but also after the kit comes to your home as well. For a breeder the responsibility doesn't end with the sale of the kit, it goes on for the life of the kit.
ciao