Breeding for temperament, conformation, health & longevity
Blacks, Black Mitts, Mitts & Roans can be found at JBF
along with the occasional Albino, Champagne, Chocolate, Dark Eyed White or Sable!
How To Get a JBF Kit or Older Ferret
When are kits available?
The main breeding season for ferrets is late winter to early summer. Since I only breed my jills (females) once a year, I only have kits once the breeding season begins. My jills usually start to cycle mid to late winter and the first kits are usually born in March or April.
I finalize my breeding plans in January. This is my play book for the breeding season. I divide my jills into first string (those jills I definitely want to breed this season) and second string (it's ok if these jills don't get bred this season). I select at least two hobs (males) for each jill, just in case my first choice is not ready when needed. Both jills and hobs come into season and it's really no sense to waste time using a hob who is not in season. Also, some first time boys just don't have a clue as to what to do and will need a little more time and experience to figure it out.
When can I pick my kit?
Once the pairings have happened and if they seemed successful, I will list the proposed delivery dates on my breeding season update web page. I don't count my kits before they are born, so I won't take deposits at this time. Once kits arrive and if everything looks good, I will list the kits by sex and color (if I can make the color determination early). Once the kits are listed is when you can make your pick and send in a deposit. A lot of times folks will give me their preferences (color, pattern and sex) and let me make their pick. If you want to stop by and see the kits for yourself to make your pick, that's fine too! But for those of you who aren't local and don't want to make more than one trip, I completely understand and will work with you to make the process as easy as possible. Pictures are posted on the kit page and are updated as the litter grows. If you want to change your pick as more litters arrive, that's fine too.
How do I reserve my kit?
Once you have an idea on the kit you want, please email me to start the screening process. I will then email you back a form that you will need to fill out. You can send your answers to me via email, fax or snail mail. Once I receive your application and you have been approved, you can then put a deposit on your kit. Deposits are accepted in the form of cash (in person), check, money order, or debit/credit cards using PayPal. If you wish to use PayPal, please let me know and I will bill you via your email address.
The prices of kits will differ based on their genealogy and if the ferret will be used for breeding or not. Ferrets purchased as breeders will have a higher price than those purchased as pets. Kit prices range from $250 to $400, please check the kit page for exact pet/breeder pricing. Deposits are $75, $50 of which is refundable in case you change your mind and decide not to get the kit. I also give discounts on multiple purchases made at the same time.
Is my kit spayed/neutered?
Kits are placed intact and it is your responsibility to have them spayed/neutered. I highly recommend that you allow your kit to fully develop before being sexually altered. Kits are quite dependent on their hormones to develop as they are intended. Ferrets, like many other members of the mustelidae family are sexually dimorphic. This means there is a noticeable difference in size between the male and the female. Males are 2 to 2.5 times larger than females and the two genders develop some different physical characteristics. Keeping their hormones until they are sexually mature - usually by 7 months of age - is important to allow this development to occur.
For ferrets that are purchased as a companion pet and not a breeder, the contract that you will sign states that you will not breed the ferret and you will have the ferret neutered/spayed by the time they are sexually mature. You will be expected to send a copy of the veterinary documentation for the neuter/spay to me for proof of fulfilling this part of our agreement.
What vaccinations will my kit have?
All kits receive at least one canine distemper vaccination (Fervac-D or PureVax Ferret) prior to placement. If placed after 14 weeks of age, canine distemper vaccinations will be complete for the year. Rabies vaccination (IMRAB-3) may have been administered if the kit is 16 weeks or older at time of placement.
When can I pickup my kit?
Kits will not be placed prior to 9-10 weeks of age. Each litter is different and kits in one litter can develop at different stages. Kit physical and mental development is the determining factor for age of placement. Kits must be eating hard kibble and must be at a certain weight to be ready to be placed. Since I do not ship my kits, you must make arrangements to come to my home or meet me at a ferret event to pick up your kit. Please keep in mind that kits must be at least 16 weeks of age in order to come in a ferret show.
What is this contract I have to sign?
Each ferret that is placed must have a completed and signed contract prior to the kit going to his/her new home. This contract is an agreement between you as the purchaser and me as the breeder of the kit. It states that you will properly care for the ferret, feed the ferret proper food, get the proper vaccinations, will not transfer ownership of this ferret to another party, will not breed this ferret and will have the ferret neutered/spayed by a specified time. All my kits come with a health guarantee that states I will replace the kit if he/she dies from a genetic related cause during his/her first year.
What about older ferrets?
Sometimes older ferrets are available for placement throughout the year. Older ferrets who are available will be listed on my other ferrets available web page. I sometimes will keep two kits from a litter and once they have fully developed may opt for one over the other for breeding purposes. I will then have the other ferret spayed or neutered as the case may be and make him/her available for placement. All older ferrets will be fixed, will have their vaccination for canine distemper, most times for rabies, and may be tested for Aleutian Disease Virus (ADV). Prices for older ferrets range from $100 to $200 depending on age and availability.
If you have any other questions on obtaining a kit or older ferret, please drop me an email.
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