What are neutered male ferrets called?
- A male ferret is called a 'hob'.
- A male ferret who has had a vasectomy is known as a 'hoblet'
- A castrated male ferret is called a 'hobble'
Can ferrets die if not mated?
If a female ferret isn't neutered it can be hugely serious. Female ferrets called 'jills' are 'induced ovulators'. This means they need to mate to stimulate the ovaries to release eggs. If the jill does not ovulate, she'll continue to produce oestrogen (she'll stay in season until they're mated).
But, remaining in season can cause severe health problems for a jill. It can cause alopecia (hair loss) and even death from oestrogen-associated anaemia (deficiency in red blood cells).
Ferret neutering options
There are various ferret neutering options available and each comes with pros and cons.
Methods to prevent the health issues associated with jills include:
- Surgical (neutering)
- Chemical (contraception)
- Combination of both.
Some owners may use vasectomised hoblets to bring their jills out of season through the act of mating.
There are benefits and risks to each method, but they all prevent unwanted pregnancy and can help reduce aggressive behaviour. They can also help reduce the typical musky smell associated with the maturing male.
Ask for advice from your vet to decide which method is best for your ferret.
Surgical neutering of ferrets
- 'Spaying' is the surgical removal of the ovaries and uterus from a female ferret.
- Castration involves the surgical removal of the testes of a male ferret. Castrating male ferrets can reduce aggressive behaviour and also increase play.
- Surgical neutering is a permanent procedure and is often the most cost-effective method.
If castration or spaying is performed, it's generally best to wait until after puberty, to delay the possible onset of adrenal disease.
Chemical contraception methods for ferrets - implants or injections
The most common contraceptive method for ferrets is the chemical implant, placed under the ferret's skin while they are sedated. This happens at regular times throughout the ferret's life.
'Deslorelin' implants can be used in both sexes and work to reduce the release of sex hormones from the brain. It also removes the trigger for sex hormone production in the adrenal glands. These are generally very safe but can be costly.
The implant's slow-release action means that they're generally long-lasting, depending on the strength of the implant used and the time it's implanted. Implants can generally last up to 18-24 months before another one is needed.
Yearly hormonal injections for the jill were a common method of stopping oestrus. These are still available, but are difficult to source and also expensive unless many ferrets are being injected at once. 'Jill jabs' are usually given at the beginning of the breeding season, in early spring.
Vasectomy for ferrets
A vasectomy is a process of sterilising a male ferret by cutting the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles to the penis
The process of vasectomy doesn't affect the hob's capability to mate. Mating jills with a vasectomised hob, or 'teaser', to bring them out of season has been common practice in the UK for many years, largely thanks to its ease and low cost.
However, although mating is a natural behaviour, the act itself is often violent and very stressful for the jill. Repeated matings may result in damage to the jill's neck, so this practice is not recommended.
Neutering can cause Hyperadrenocorticism
Neutering both male and female ferrets can lead to the development of a hormonal condition called hyperadrenocorticism (adrenal disease). This generally happens several years after neutering.
Signs of hyperadrenocorticism in both sexes include:
- Hair loss
- Swelling of the genital area
- Urinary blockage and cyst formation in hobs
- Pruritus (itchiness), lethargy and muscle wasting
Early detection, treatment and appropriate monitoring can all help manage symptoms.
We still recommend neutering as a permanent way to stop females from being in season and reduce aggression in males. However, it's important to be aware of the signs of hypoadrenocorticism and to remember that treatment may be needed in the future.
What's the best neutering or contraceptive method for ferrets?
As a ferret owner, it's important to be proactive in managing their reproductive issues. We advise that ferrets are either surgically neutered or that a chemical method is utilised. A combination of both may also be used.
Always discuss your options with your vet to avoid unwanted pregnancy and health issues. They'll be able to explain possible side-effects and costs. Knowing the benefits and risks involved in all methods will help you make an informed decision on what's best for your ferret.
For animals rehomed by our animal centres, surgical neutering is our standard approach as it's the most cost-effective and permanent method. If you're thinking of adopting a ferret, you'll need to be aware of the signs of hyperadrenocorticism and remember that your pet may need treatment for it in the future.
Find out more about caring for ferrets as pets.
