Ferret Reproduction - Anatomy & Physiology

BACK TO REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM BACK TO SMALL DOMESTIC MAMMALS

• Male
• Female

Male

• Male is known as the Hob.
• J-shapes os penis lies within the caudal section of the penis dorsal to the penile urethra.
  • Supporting bone is the Baculum.
• Penis points cranially.
• Opening of the prepuce is on the ventral abdomen.
• Two testes carried externally in the scrotum.
• Sexual maturity is usually reached during the first spring after birth at about 4-8 months of age.
• Once testes have descended, the inguinal canal closes and they are not able to be retracted.
• Spermatogenic activity increases within the semniferous tubules of the testes from December-July.
  • Testes become noticeably enlarged in preparation for the breeding season (March-August).

---

Female

• Known as the Jill.
• Bicornuate uterus
  • Long uterine horns and no uterine body.
• Average litter 8-10 kits, but can be as large as 18.
• Vulva lies on the perineum, ventral to the anus.
  • During the non-breeding season, it is small and slit-like.
  • During oestrus it becomes swollen and resembles a small doughnut.
• Seasonally polyoestrus
• Induced ovulator
  • If mated, ovulation occurs within 30-40 hours of coitus.
• Gestation period is 42 days.