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Post by kittenluvsferrets on Oct 28, 2011 15:29:32 GMT -5
I'm looking for a few breeders in Kentucky, I've been researching Ferrets, and I've been trying to find breeders, but I've had no luck. I don't really want to buy from a petstore, cause I don't want my little fuzzy descented. I've heard that it can cause health problems and issues later in life for them. If anyone has any information on breeders in Kentucky or know if this information about descenting ferrets is wrong, please let me know.
Thanks
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Post by Deleted on Oct 28, 2011 16:18:05 GMT -5
Descenting is unnecessary and can increase their chance of having a prolapsed anus later in life.
What is even worse is the early spaying and neutering. This is likely to cause them to develop adrenal failure earlier in life (though researchers are still working to understand this). Marshall spays and neuters at 5 weeks which is too young.
If you do get a ferret from a breeder, try to wait as long as you can (preferrably 8 to 12 months) before spaying or neutering. Or what some are trying now days, is not spaying or neutering, and just getting them the Deslorelin implant when they get old enough (maybe 8 to 12 months). The Deslorelin implant is like a chemical spay or neuter which might be less unhealthy than the surgical method. This is still being studied though. We don't know yet which way is most healthy.
I'm sure others here can give you more details but I think that sums up the main points to consider.
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Post by kittenluvsferrets on Oct 28, 2011 17:14:53 GMT -5
Thank you so much for that information. I really don't want to spay or neuter him/her when I get them. I don't really see the point in having an unnessicary operation, when I highly doubt I'll have two Ferrets of opposite sex at the same time.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 28, 2011 18:19:13 GMT -5
Here something to think about when choosing a ferret breeder.
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, 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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Post by Sherry on Oct 28, 2011 18:55:52 GMT -5
Also, not sure if you are aware, but with females you need to either get the deslorelin implant, putting the female with a vasectomized hob when in season, or spaying prior to coming into season.
Anything else risks the female developing aplastic anemia as they won't come out of heat on their own.
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Post by Heather on Oct 28, 2011 20:00:13 GMT -5
You forgot one Sherry....the wee little lady can also have a jill jab (hormone shot) to bring her out of season.
ciao
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Post by Deleted on Oct 28, 2011 20:54:13 GMT -5
There is a breeder in NC  |
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Post by Sherry on Oct 28, 2011 21:47:29 GMT -5
I totally forgot that- thanks Heather!
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Post by kittenluvsferrets on Oct 28, 2011 23:33:42 GMT -5
Thank you all for the help. I really do appreciate it, a lot. I'm still trying to find breeders in my area, if I can not find a breeder, I was thinking of going to a Ferret Rescue and adopting two males that I had seen. Any advice on adopting a Rescue Ferret?
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Post by Heather on Oct 29, 2011 0:20:59 GMT -5
Not to discourage you from choosing a rescue but why would you not go to another state close by to pick up a fuzz, if there are no breeders close? More curious than anything. A rescued fuzz needs a home and love too, and I would certainly never discourage someone from adopting out of a shelter but someone who usually looks for a breeder ferret is looking for something very specific or does so for very particular reasons. I do rescue and hospice, and the people who look to me for ferrets are usually not the people who would choose a breeders ferret. It's more an observation than anything. No offence intended  ciao |
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Post by kittenluvsferrets on Oct 29, 2011 0:36:15 GMT -5
I understand why you're asking and quiet honestly, I was looking for a breeder Ferret because the petstores around here usually don't have ferrets and I wanted one that wasn't spayed or neutered or descented. I'm not looking for anything specific, My fiance wants a sable and I wouldn't mind a sable or albino, with pretty awesome personalities, energetic,playful, loving, ect. In my search for breeders, I came acrossed a ferret rescue and there are two males who are bonded to each other, and the people at the rescue say that they are loving and playful. I didn't actually know there was a rescue anywhere near me.. Until I looked more into it. lol. I definately don't take offence to you're curiousity, I totally understand where it came from. I believe in giving animals second chances at a great life. I would love to have all rescues in my house.  Alot of them have amzing personalities. |
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Post by Heather on Oct 29, 2011 0:41:01 GMT -5
They most certainly do  ciao |
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Post by kittenluvsferrets on Oct 29, 2011 0:44:21 GMT -5
I hope that my explaination made some sort of sence. lol
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Post by Sherry on Oct 29, 2011 8:59:31 GMT -5
If you don't want to travel out of state, adopting from the rescue is a good idea. With rescue ferrets, you know they've likely been vetted, and the shelter mom would be able to give you a good idea as to the personalities too.
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Post by joan on Oct 29, 2011 9:07:34 GMT -5
As a breeder, I would encourage you to check out the two hobs in the rescue as they sound ideal for you if you have never owned a ferret before. I always send first time owners to the nearest ferret shelter, as I will not sell a kit to anyone who has not had a ferret for at least a couple years.
Breeder ferrets are much more of a challenge to live with, especially the jills, and I feel very strongly that an inexperienced owner is much better off with an older kit or young adult from a ferret shelter which has been nip/bite trained and is using the litter pan reliably. Plus, two are much better than one...ferrets are very social and are usually happier with the companionship of their own kind.
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Alot of them have amzing personalities.