Ferret Cages

A quality ferret cage is a very important part of ferret care - because you can't be around 24 hours a day.

A ferret is very creative and can find so many ways to get into trouble around the home. Even if you think your home is ferret-safe, it probably isn't. So here are some things to keep in mind about ferret cages.

Buy the Right Cage

You need to buy a cage designed for ferrets - not a hamster, rabbit or bird cage. And definitely not an aquarium. A good ferret cage has metal bars to provide ventilation and the gaps between the bars are not so large that a ferret can escape or get his head caught between them.

You can find ferret cages of many different sizes and price ranges. There are single-story, modest homes for a single ferret; and multi-story, elaborate homes for multiple ferrets. Prices range from about $100 up to $500 or more.

If you can't find an affordable, quality cage at your local pet store, then shop online. You'll often find fantastic deals at the online pet stores.

Some of the more popular brands to look for are: Ferret Nation, Feisty Ferret and FerreTrail.

The cage should have space for at least one litter pan - you'll need two for multiple ferrets. Many cages feature attachable litter pans.

The doors of the cage should be large enough for removal of the litter pans and food and water dishes. And they should feature secure locking mechanisms - because ferrets are excellent escape artists.

Cage Set-Up

Many cages feature floors and ladders made of metal wire. This can take a toll on a ferret's delicate feet - and many ferrets get their feet stuck between the bars. So you should cover the floors and ladders with vinyl tiles, linoleum or fabric.

Falls can really hurt a ferret. If there is any potential of your ferret falling between floors or levels of his cage, then you can remedy the situation by hanging hammocks or other fabrics across the cage to protect him.

Ferrets appreciate having a good variety of toys, fabrics and dark hiding places. Toys provide mental stimulation; fabrics provide for good naps; and hiding places help to give your ferret a little privacy.

Do not use the clumping-type clay kitty litter to fill your ferret's litter pan. This can cause respiratory problems. Instead you should use litter made of paper pellets.

Cleaning

There are certain cleaning tasks that need to be performed daily and others that need to be performed weekly. This is important to maintain healthy ferrets and a relatively odor-free home.

Use ferret-safe cleaners only and rinse thoroughly. You can buy ferret-specific cleaning supplies through your pet store or just use mild dishwashing detergent. Fabrics can be washed in the washing machine with fragrance-free laundry detergent.

Every Day -

• You should empty and wash your ferret's food and water dishes.
• You'll need to scoop out their litter pans. If you have multiple ferrets, you'll have to do it twice a day.
• Wash any soiled toys or fabrics.

Weekly -

• Remove and clean everything inside their cage.
• Clean the whole cage.