Ferret Habitat
Some Important Facts About Creating a Ferret Habitat
Designing an appropriate ferret habitat can be a fun way to prepare for welcoming a ferret into your home as a new pet. It can be tempting to run right out and buy a ferret once you've decided it's the right pet for you, but you'll find that both you and your new pet will be appreciative if you first spend a little extra time getting a living area ready. Even though a ferret is a small animal, you still have to prepare for its arrival. Despite its size and appearance, it may be more useful to think of a pet ferret as you would a dog than a hamster. Your ferret will spend a large amount of time in its cage, but it also requires a minimum of four hours of playtime outside its cage each day. Sure, go all out on designing your ferret's cage - nothing's too good for your furry friend - but in reality, the ferret habitat you are creating in preparation for your new pet extends beyond the cage to your house as a whole (or at least the rooms your ferret will be allowed to play in).
Still, before you turn your entire home into a ferret habitat, you do need to outfit a cage for your new ferret to sleep in and treat as home base. Not all cages are created equal, and there are some cages that are better for ferrets than others. A wire cage is generally preferable to an aquarium-style enclosure made of glass or plastic, as wire cages are easier to clean and allow for cross-ventilation. Since wire can be hard on your ferret's feet, it's a good idea to have a solid bottom to the cage. You can buy cages that are multi-leveled, with ramps and ladders if you choose. As a rule, a ferret's cage should be as large as possible - ideally no smaller than 2 x 2 x 2 feet. Ferrets need a lot of time outside of their cages, and can develop aggressive and obsessive behaviors if they are too often left in a small cage.
Once you have chosen your cage, turn it into the ideal ferret habitat by adding a few finishing touches. Ferrets enjoy lounging in little hammocks, which you can either purchase or make yourself with fabric from old clothes and some shower curtain rings. You should also provide your ferret with a small cardboard box or a basket, although you'll find it will often prefer to sleep under blankets, or in the sleeves and pant legs of old clothes. Provide a few of these options, so your ferret can choose between several warm and dark areas to sleep. And, of course, don't forget the absolute essentials: a water bottle, a heavy food bowl that will be difficult to flip over, and a litter box (try one that is triangular and fits snugly in a corner of the cage). Place the cage in a location that maintains a temperature of between 50 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Once you've outfitted your ferret's cage, it's time to ferret-proof your home. Ferrets are extremely curious and intelligent animals, and you will be amazed at what they manage to get into. Just like a young child, your ferret is able to open low cabinets and drawers and help itself to whatever may be inside. Anything with moving parts, such as a recliner or rocking chair, can pose a hazard to your small friend. Ferrets can also fit through holes as small as two by two inches, so it is important to check your walls and vents for openings that size or larger, or you risk having a ferret loose in your walls.
Enjoy getting your ferret's cage all ready in anticipation of its arrival, and feel free to provide it with as many toys, tubes, and ramps as you wish. Just be prepared for your ferret to prefer to run around your house and play with your things instead! Although the cage setup is important, it won't be long before your entire house is a ferret habitat.