Table 14.7.
Ferret Reproductive Dataa
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Age at puberty | |
| Female (adult, range 750–1500 g) | 6–12 months |
| Male (adult, range 1500–2500 g) | 6–12 months |
| Minimum breeding age | 8–12 months (male); 4–5 months (female) |
| Estrous cycleb | Monestrus, March through Augustc |
| Duration of estrous cycle | Continuous until intromission |
| Type of ovulation | Induced by copulation |
| Ovulation time | 30–40 h after mating |
| Number of ova | 12 (range, 5–13) |
| Copulation time | Up to 3 h |
| Sperm deposition site | Posterior os cervix |
| Ovum transit time | 5–6 days |
| Viability of sperm in female tract | 36–48 h |
| Cleavage to formation of blastocoele | Uniform rate |
| Implantation | 12–13 days |
| Gestation period | 42 ± 1 days |
| Implantation–parturition | 30 ± 1 days |
| Litter size | 8 average (range, 1–18) |
| Size at birth | 6–12 g |
| Return to estrus | Next Marchb, occasionally postpartum estrus |
| Solid food eaten | 3 weeks, before eyes are open |
| Breeding life of female | 2–5 years |
| Breeding life of male | 5 + years |
| Breeding habits | One male to several females; in colony production |
a
Adapted from Fox and Bell (1998).
b
Dependent on photoperiod.
c
Polyestrous in this period if a litter is produced.