Breeding ferrets because they are cute is not a good enough reason for anyone to start doing it. It’s nothing like raising cats and dogs. You may be a responsible owner, but that doesn’t mean breeding them is for you. This is not for the weak, mind you. Give this job to the real experts (and not the self-proclaimed ones).
#1 Know the reasons why you want to breed ferrets. If your reason is to have your own group of ferrets, then you are better off buying ferrets from pet stores, certified breeders, or shelters. Shelters have abandoned ferrets that need a new home or loving owners. It would be better to rescue homeless ferrets rather than add more homeless ferrets just because you couldn’t keep up with the needs of having ferrets.
#2 Ferrets sell for anywhere from $50 to $400 each, but when you consider the costs and setup required to breed ferrets, you may be wondering. Consider expenses for medical care requirements, accommodation, and veterinary costs. Unless you are doing this as a big business, breeding ferrets will not make you a profit.
#3 The courtship and mating processes of stallions are not conventional. Hobs doesn’t believe in romance during this time. They smell horrible and her attitude can be intolerable even to their own mothers. The actual mating process can be quite vicious! A hob ruffles Jill’s neck and drags her around the cage, mounting her several times, causing Jill to scream in pain. So if you’re not ready to witness such “violence”, leave it to the experts.
#4 If the pregnancy has been successful, expect large litters. Having 10-11 kits is common. They may require a larger space. This can lead to overcrowding if the breeder is unable to provide the necessary space. Don’t forget to protect them from extreme weather conditions and provide adequate ventilation because the kits can really stink.