| HOUSING
AND ACCOMMODATION Most ferrets live in outdoor cages, but wherever they are two things are most important, a dark enclosed sleeping box with a 8.5cm (3.5") diameter entrance hole and ventilation at the top, and secondly a toilet area that has sawdust or shaving and can be easily cleaned every day. If the cage is to be in an exposed situation it may be advisable to insulate the sleeping area by filling the space between the hutch and a second inner box with fibre glass wool or polystyrene, be sure to drill some ventilation holes near the top. Ensure the sleeping area is raised well clear of the ground to eliminate damp. Ferrets hate damp and draughts. Wire mesh for ferret cages would be at least 16g weld mesh as ferrets have been known to worry ordinary chicken wire until it breaks. Cages can be made any shape or size you choose and include extra boxes and tubes for play. Ferrets love to play and certainly need to be kept amused, a bored ferret will try to escape and probably get into mischief! Whatever housing you use please make sure it is strong enough and secure. Ferrets do not gnaw but they use their teeth to pull at lose edges and scrabble with their very strong front claws. It is essential that no gaps are left as ferrets are born escapologists. If you give a ferret an inch - it will be out and away. Bedding can be of clean hay or straw (beware of parasites), shredded paper or old clothing and should be changed regularly when it becomes soiled. Wood-shavings (not cedar wood) or sawdust for recreation and toilet areas(DO NOT use a deep layer of sawdust as it can get into their eyes, ears and mouth). Ferrets that are kept indoors can ! be trained to use a litter tray if you are lucky. |
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