Purchasing a Ferret from a Hobby Breeder A hobby breeder may not sell a ferret before it is at least 10 weeks old. The hobby breeder must provide the ferret purchaser with a contract of sale stating that if the ferret purchaser can no longer keep the ferret, it must be returned to the breeder from which it was purchased. The hobby breeder must take the ferret back without question or conditions placed on the ferret's return. The contract must make it clear that the purchaser cannot sell, surrender, give, or otherwise transfer the ferret to anyone except the original breeder. Male ferrets are called hobs, females are called jills, and the young are called kits.
Ferrets naturally emit a musky odor that varies in strength.
This odor is stimulated by the animal's sex hormones, and diminishes when the animal is neutered. They can also produce an odor from their anal glands. The animal will express these glands when it is scared, extremely excited, or has a disease. Your veterinarian can advise you about whether or not these glands should be removed. It is recommended that they be fed a high quality commercial product recommended by your veterinarian.