Ferrets - Can they be a pet and work?

[stevematthews79]

I am considering taking on a hob as a house pet for my daughters birthday, keeping it in a 3 Tier ferret cage. My question is would the ferret still be suitable for working or is it going to be too domesticated. My understanding is that they are very inquisitive and the hunting instinct should still be there but would appreciate any advice. Also where do people stand with removal of the scent gland? Is this necessary?

 

Appreciate any advice.

 

Thanks

 

Steve

[Ferret Master]

Mine are working pets but they still have their scend gland.

 

FM

[henry d]

Getting him neutered will cure a lot of the smell, I don`t like the idea of scent gland removal, but thats just me. He will be a good pet, they do like attention

[ferretman]

yes mine are my family and my working companions n thay no that.

[double barrel]

Also where do people stand with removal of the scent gland? Is this necessary?

 

That is an American practise and if you go to a British vet asking for it to be done you will be chased, because the operation is for your benefit not the ferrets.

[Bigbob]

I dont think a vet will do it for you . A hob would make a good pet and they only smell when there testes have dropped .My hobs are very laid back but still are good workers

[stevematthews79]

"That is an American practise and if you go to a British vet asking for it to be done you will be chased, because the operation is for your benefit not the ferrets. "

 

Fair comment well made. Thought it was a bit dubious myself but wanted the views of more experienced ferret owners.

 

Another thing, the hob would be a house pet, however when I go on holiday would it be ok to keep it outdoors for a period. I have a large hutch at my parents however they are not so keen on keeping a ferret indoors? Just want to make sure the shock of indoors to outdoors would not be an issue. Just covering all the bases at the min, so appreciate advice.

 

Thanks in advance

[new to the flock]

As has been said, get him neutered and he will not really smell. As in GB scent gland removal is not practices in Ontario, at least not by Vets that are looking out for the animals welfair.

 

I have two spayed jills that live in the house and aslong as the litter box is clean you would never know they are there.

 

NTTF

[Billy the Kid]

The more of a pet they are the easier they will be to handle in the field.A few years ago in one of the shooting mags there was an article about ferreting & this chap said that if you wanted the best working ferrets don't let your kids or grandkids treat them as pets,I should add that he appeared to be handling his ferrets whilst wearing leather gauntlets,still each to their own,the more they are handled the better(this aint rocket science).

 

Billy

[gav]

my hob is so laid back while waiting his turn out rabbiting he curled up and went to sleep in his box !! but god he smells

[ferretman]

if you get it nuterd it will decrese the smell.most ferrets do that gav i mean go to sleep in there box while out n about.

Edited May 12, 2008 by ferretman

[Bigbob]

That might be the way to go castration and if you get him from a working strain it shouldn't affect him

[shotgun-jamie]

My ferrets (one jill one vasectomised hob) live out side but i treat them as pets I handle and play with them in the garden every night they are very tame (but i got bit for my first time last night).They don't smell if i keep them well cleaned out and change water everyday never had a problem with bolting rabbits though.If i was allowed i would keep mine in the house.

 

JAMIE