How Do I Know My Ferret Is In Season?
Female ferrets that are reproductively active usually come in to season at the start of the year, which becomes obvious as their vulva becomes very swollen.
Why Do Female Ferrets Die In Season?
Unlike in most of our pet species, ferrets are induced ovulators, which means that unless they are mated or given hormonal medications, they aren’t able to come out of season and this causes suppression of their bone marrow which can be fatal.
Can My Ferret Be Spayed?
Surgically spaying ferrets to prevent them coming into season and so prevent the associated problems isn’t ideal. Due to a quirk in how ferret hormones work, they are highly likely to develop another hormonal condition called adrenal disease, which can have the same effect but isn’t controllable using an injection.
Do Jill Ferrets Have To Be Mated?
Obviously it’s not practical for every jill to be mated every time she comes into season – although ferret babies are incredibly cute, breeding isn’t advised unless an owner is experienced.
The usual way that we control jill ferret reproductive issues is to give an injection called Delvosteron (otherwise known as the “jill jab”) either before or once she has come into season each year, which allows her to come out of season without incident.
What Is A Jill Jab?
A ‘Jill Jab’ is an injection of proligestone that is given to jill ferrets to bring them out of season without getting them pregnant.
