From:
"Michael Skidmore"
Date: 2009-02-24 04:31:56 UTC
Subject: [ferrethealth] Re: Found a ferret [intro whole male to neutered males]
To: ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com
You left out some important information.. how old is the hob estimated
to be? You may be able to avoid the years of adrenal disease treatment
if you are willing to wait until he is 12-16 months prior to neutering.
It is likely this hob came from a private breeder and was specifically
purchased intact for that reason. We did in September after having two
marshall's ferrets in the past both with years of insulinoma and one
with adrenal disaease.
As you can imagine the original owners are completely distraught. Our
Yogi got out of the house 3 weeks back and was out 3 hours. Luckily he
came back unharmed on his own. He is microchipped but who knows if a
private person would have kept him, given how friendly he is.
Thankfully no hawks or owls found him first. If you would describe the
coloration and pattern, estimated age, and city located in, there are
only about 15 or so private breeders. Most of them specialize in 2-3
color patterns It is likely you could narrow down to 2-3 of them based
on that and location and ask who they sent to and if any of their
clients are missing and heartbroken.
An intact male is going to be a territorial biter. This is normal
behavior. Even post fixing, it's going to be a while. Most breeders
have to separate all the intact males past 6mo until they are retired
at age 3-4. The neutering counters the sexual development and alters
the behavior. But it also stunts muscular and coat development as you
can see by the difference between your new stinky weasel and the
marshalls ferrets you have.
We took our little biter to the ferret rescue in town where we
volunteer just to see if he could find a playmate (from the 50 or so)
that he wouldn't go after. Didn't work. Basically they mate by biting
and holding, much like sharks do. It's worst when he is in rut which
should be underway now to spring.
If he isn't 12-16 months yet, you are doing his long term health a
favor by waiting and putting up with the normal behavior.
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