Neutering Ferrets
Unless a female ferret (jill) is to be used for breeding it is essential that she is neutered or her oestrus suppressed chemically. If this is not done a state of permanent oestrus develops with high circulating levels of oestrogen. This can lead to alopecia (hair loss), bone marrow suppression and eventual death.
Neutering should be done before the first season, this will generally be in the spring of the jill’s first year.
Castration of male ferrets (hobs) has several benefits including reducing their dominant character and reducing the secretion of their sebaceous glands resulting in much less odour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my ferret’s character change following the operation?
It is likely that you will see a beneficial change in your ferret’s character; becoming calmer, more loving, and dependable once the urge to mate has been removed.
Is the operation safe?
Your ferret will require an anaesthetic to have the procedure done and this does carry a risk. Advances in drugs and knowledge have made ferret anaesthesia much safer, and we routinely anaesthetise ferrets for neutering and surgery. We pride ourselves on our anaesthetic regime, and constantly review it and strive to improve it. We use a combination of a sedative pre-medicant and isoflurane gas administered with oxygen throughout the surgery. Ferrets are also routinely given a combination of pain-relieving medication that ensures they are as comfortable as possible during and after the operation. The vet will examine your ferret prior to the surgery to establish any current problems that may need to be addressed before we carry out the procedure.
s it necessary to starve my ferret before the surgery?
Yes, but only for about 4 hours. So, a small meal at 7 a.m. on the morning of the operation is fine.
Are you able to tell if my female ferret has already been spayed?
The likelihood is that if she does not come into season in the spring or summer then she is neutered.
How much does the operation cost?
To spay a female ferret costs £100. To castrate a male ferret costs ?65.00. Both these prices include the consultation prior to the surgery and one or two post operative checks.
What should I bring with me?
When you bring your ferret in for an operation it is a good idea to bring his or her normal food and bowl along with the water bottle. Once your ferret has recovered from the anaesthetic we will need him or her to eat and this is made much easier if the food and bowls are familiar.
What will I need to do after my ferret has been neutered?
When you collect your ferret we will go through the post operative instructions. You will need to prepare his or her housing so that any straw or hay bedding has been removed and replaced with a soft bedding or shredded paper. This will minimise bedding adhering to the surgical wound. It is important to keep your ferret in a quiet area to avoiding startling him or her. You will need to check the wound every day to make sure there are no complications and we will show you how to do this. We will check your ferret back after two days to examine the wound and then again a week later to remove the sutures (jills only).
