Perhaps I should answer "hotdish" question as I believe she is refering to me. A "V" hob is a vasectomized male ferret and the surgery is not dangerous. The hob still thinks he is a full hob and my completing the sex act with female ferrets can take them out of season. This is a very safe way to get jills out of season. However, no one can tell exactly when the hob will no longer have virile semen stored. There is no time table to refer to as nature is very variable in her ways. My vet. suggested I use my v hob on my own females until he is proven to be sterile. That is why when Bacardi came in season she visited with him. Bacardi is a beautiful, proven jill, and I have always been pleased with Dark Star's babies, so an "accidental" litter is not a problem. Since we are not "planning" several litters this year, another one is not a problem. We have a personal mailing list that keeps everyone informed of what is happening at Moonsong Ferrets. http://www.onelist.com/group/moonsongferrets As a matter of fact we have been having a lot of fun with this upcoming litter. You can see DAF Bacardi and Moonsong Dark Star on our web site http://moonsongferrets.virtualave.net Also about some vets. refusing to do the surgery, it is because it is very, very delicate and they don't have the skill, the time or maybe not the experience. Our present vet. had never done a vasectomy on a ferret, but was willing to try. Oh and contrary to what "hotdish" is saying, we have never said we are not breeding ferrets anymore. We have cut back so that we may have more time for the rest of our life. We kept the very very best of the bloodlines and will continue breeding some very outstanding litters for those who want companion ferrets. Thank you all Judith Moon, owner of Moonsong Ferretry where ferrets are bred and raised to be companions [Posted in FML issue 2975]