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Ferret Living - The Condo
By Candace Hersey-Benner, DVM
Ferrets are intensely mischievous animals and therefore it is important to keep them safe in your home. Selecting a proper cage before you bring your new friend home is important in preventing accidents and escapes. A sturdy multi-level cage constructed of galvanized wire or plastic is ideal. The minimum cage requirements per ferret are 22inches x 20inches x 16inches. Several ferrets can be kept together in an appropriately sized cage, however they should not be left alone unsupervised with other pets such as dogs and cats or infants and/or small children. Cages with plastic flooring are easier to clean and do not increase the risk of toe or foot injuries, as is the case with wire bottom cages.
Ferrets like to sleep huddled together and will prefer to lounge in hammocks suspended from the top or sides of the cage. Other appropriate items that can be provided for bedding include old tee-shirts, sweatshirts, towels, and blankets that are not frayed and do not have too many holes. Ferrets can become entrapped in frayed or hole-ridden bedding, causing them to struggle to such a degree that toe nails or limbs are injured. It is also important to remember that the bedding must be laundered at least weekly.
Ferrets can also be litter-boxed trained and usually choose the nearest corner for their bathroom. A high backed, corner style litter box large enough to fit the entire ferret is a good litter-box choice. Owners should steer clear of litter choices such as wood shavings and commercial clay litters as they can cause serious medical problems. Products such as recycled newspaper (Yesterday’s News) and pelleted fiber materials (wood stove pellets or Feline Pine) work best and are safe for your ferret.
Ferrets have an intense exploratory nature and tend to horde items. Their curious nature can sometimes get them into trouble, as they tend to investigate items with their mouths. They especially like soft rubbery items such as pencil erasers, children’s toys, and foam which can be aggressively shred by their tiny, sharp, teeth and then ingested. Ferret safe toys must be chosen with care and regular inspection to ensure that your ferret is not ingesting parts of them is recommended.
Ferrets are relatively easy to care for and are very quiet companions as compared to other pets. By providing those with a safe place to live you will ensure that live a long and happy life.
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