From:
Chris Lloyd
Date: 2001-03-08 10:57:00 UTC
Subject: Re: [Ferret-Health-list] EIA
Hi all, although I have left ferrets in oestrus for up to 5
months It is not a thing I would recommend, leaving a healthy
jill in season for 6 to 8 weeks will not cause any real harm
to a healthy animal. Far too many inexperienced breeders put
the hobs in with the Jills too early, not only causing the
jill to resist mating but can also results in non conception
or very small litters. Matan's jill is only 7 months old, In
my opinion much too young to be bred, this early oestrus seems
to be common in house ferrets kept under unnatural light/heat
conditions. Telling a ferret owner that his ferret is about to
die because she has been in season for 3 weeks is completely
irresponsible and incorrect. Ovulation in the jill is indeed
induced by the rough treatment of the hob. as it was too
common in the UK years ago for people to take the jill out of
season by using a pair of pliers on a jills neck for 5 to 10
minutes, penetration is not needed. Sorry been there and seen
it done and it works. Chris
Chris Lloyd ICQ no. 44575318
Wessex Ferret Club Southampton. UK. www.wfc.cwc.net
The Pack www.btinternet.com/~chris.lloyd2/