Reproduction
The domestic ferret is seasonally polyoestrous, which means
that they have multiple periods of maximum sexual reciprocity
per season (Lindeberg, 2008). Contrary to what is seen in humans, female ferrets
are constantly in heat from late March to early August. Reaching
puberty at around eight to twelve months, and sexual maturity at
six months, domestic ferrets usually have plenty of time to
reproduce. They can be “in heat” for up to five months, but once
ovulation occurs, either pregnancy or pseudopregnancy always
follows (Lindeberg, 2008).
Copulation itself usually lasts anywhere from fifteen minutes to
three hours, while the average lies somewhere around one hour
(Duda, 2003).
Ovulation occurs when there is pressure exerted on the cervix
connected to copulation. Approximately three to fifteen female
oocytes are then released thirty to forty hours after
copulation. These oocytes are most capable of being fertilized
around twelve hours after ovulation, or forty-two to fifty-two
hours after copulation. Embryos enter the ferret’s uterus over a
period of several days, beginning five days after copulation.
The total length of gestation in female ferrets is approximately
thirty-nine to forty-two days, with an average net birth of
eight kits, each weighing six to twelve grams at birth (Duda,
2003). The
Common Genet, on the other hand, has a much longer gestation
of around seventy to seventy seven days, resulting in the birth
of only one to three young. Healthy
domestic ferrets can birth up to three successful litters (or
fifteen kits) per year.
Male ferrets, unlike their female counterparts, go into heat
from December to July. Their penises are hooked, meaning that
once penetration of the female occurs, they cannot be separated
until the male releases. Males exhibit a physical trait when
they are ready to mate; they develop a discolored undercoat due
to an increase in oil production. During this time, they will
mate with as many female ferrets as they have access to.
Newborn domestic ferrets generally need about eight weeks of
parental care, due to their lack of sight or hearing when they
first come out of their mother’s womb (Duda, 2003). It takes approximately
five weeks for newborns to be able to see and hear. Weeks three
to six are dedicated to weaning newborns, and eight weeks is
usually when breeders let the kits go to new owners.