REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

Ferrets are sexually mature at 6-9 months of age and repro­duce twice yearly with coitus-induced ovulation. Unmated jills can die from postestrus anemia. Gestation is 42 days; kitten birth weight is 10 g (range 8-12 g) with a litter size of 4 to 14, reducing with the age of the jill. Kittens can hear from 32 days and the eyes open at 4-5 weeks. They can be weaned at 6-8 weeks.

Dysfunction of the reproductive system can occur in the unsterilized jill (female) and the sterilized hob (male).