Neutering and Implants

The Neutering of ferrets is a very important topic which needs to be researched before considering getting a ferret.

As many people know ferrets smell. This smell is natural and is caused from scent glands under the skin. It is a lot more prominent in Hobs (male ferrets) than jills (female ferrets) especially when it comes to breeding season. Neutering reduces (but does not totally eliminate) the scent as well as reducing aggression and sexual behaviour though there is evidence that neutering may also predispose ferrets to adrenal gland disease, therefore most vets no longer recommend surgical neutering, Instead providing Implants.

Surgical Neutering

Surgical Neutering is the removal of the testicles or female reproductive track. This procedure can only be performed once the ferret is over the age of 3 months. It usually costs around £90. Neutering does come with its pros and cons.

Pro's of Neutering

Reduces the scent
Eliminates the urge to mate
Removes the risk of any cancer of reproductive organs
One time procedure
Permanent

Con's of Neutering

Predisposing ferrets to adrenal gland disease. This disease isn't curable but can be managed.
This disease is caused by changes in the adrenal glands. The glands begin to overproduce hormones that cause hair loss, weight loss, swelling of the vulva (jills), itchy skin and hyper-sexuality.

Implants

Different vets have different opinions on the matter of neutering though the vet which i attend, Highcroft Veterinary clinic, doesn't perform Neutering due to the risks. Instead they suggest Surgical neutering, Implanting. Implants can last from 6 months to 4 years and are inserted into back of the ferret's neck, like a microchip. The cost of these implants are usually around £120 but may vary depending on the clinic you choose.The implant is also used as a treatment in fixing Adrenal Disease.

Jills in season

During spring, jills will begin to come into oestrus (season). The signs of this are the vulva swelling, discharge and a stronger smell. The Jill will stay in season until mated. If a Jill is left in season, the large amount oestrogen in her blood will causes progressive depression of bone marrow resulting in death, so it is recommend if you are not going to breed from the ferret, to get them either implanted or Jill jabbed, a jab which is used to bring the Jill out of season for a year though it may have to be repeated more than once a season.

Vulva

Anus

Hobs in season

Pictured above is a jill in season. She will either need to be implanted on Jill jabbed to bring her out of season.

Testicles

Penis

Hobs also have physical and mental changes when in season. Hobs reach sexual maturity a couple of months before breeding season and their testicles will enlarge and drop in early spring and summer and their scent will become much stronger and fur oily. A hob will usually stay in season until around September Often males will become dominant, dragging around and mounting other ferrets during this time and will need to be separated from other ferrets. You can get hobs either implanted or neutered to allow them to live with other ferrets all year round, though as I've stated before it is no longer advised to surgically neuter ferrets.