To choose the right cage for your ferret, you need to know what types there are and what criteria to adhere to. This pet is characterized by a high degree of mobility and curiosity; it should not be left unattended in the room. Otherwise damaged repairs, things will be provided. If desired, you can make a cage for keeping a ferret with your own hands from available materials.
Primary requirements
A cage for a ferret, first of all, should be comfortable for the pet himself; in it he should not feel any discomfort or danger.This house should become a reliable home for him, where he can relax and play.
Considering that the cage is selected for the permanent maintenance of a playful animal, you need to focus on the following requirements for it:
- Be big. For pets, it is necessary to ensure sufficient space. The cage should contain drinking bowls, feeders, and various “exercise machines” so that the furry animal has somewhere to spend its energy. These can be scratching posts, pipes, bags of rags, containers with sand. The best option for a cage is a two-level structure with shelves. If you keep your ferret in small cages, there is a high risk of developing muscle atrophy.
- With minimal gaps between the bars. Ferrets are unique animals that can easily “sneak” through small openings. Ideally, the distance between the bars is 2-3 cm. The grid should be made of durable metal; the plastic version is not suitable for active pets.
- Be equipped with wheels and a tray. Such additional equipment helps to easily move the house from one corner of the room to another. The presence of a tray provides convenience when cleaning both the cage and the room; the filler is contained in it, and not on the floor. You can purchase pallets with clamps for quick removal.
- Be easy to assemble/disassemble. A convenient solution is a design in the form of a transformer. If there is a change of housing, then transporting such a cage will not be particularly difficult. It will easily fit into a passenger car.
Advice! In order for the ferret to be comfortable and safe, the cage must be spacious, its dimensions should be from 91x63x100 cm.The shape is square or rectangular structures with a rational division of space into areas for sleeping, eating, drinking and entertainment.
Types of cages for ferrets
There is a huge range of ferret cages available on the market. In natural conditions, these animals are accustomed to moving around a lot and leading an active lifestyle. Among the many models you can choose:
- factory made of metal/plastic;
- wicker box;
- fabric house based on foam rubber;
- housing made of metal mesh on a frame;
- plexiglass cage;
- cardboard house;
- self-made structure from plywood/wood sheets.
If you purchase a ferret house at a specialized retail outlet, you should pay attention to the following points:
- strength of rods;
- lock efficiency;
- multi-tiered;
- functionality;
- the presence of a removable tray;
- equipped with wheels;
- dimensions of the structure.
Homemade cage at home
To make a ferret cage with your own hands, the first thing you need to do is prepare a drawing. It will include tunnels, resting places, feeding areas, and labyrinths.
The work algorithm is as follows:
- Frame, walls. You need to assemble the base from wooden slats with a thickness of 5 mm, fixing them with self-tapping screws. Attach plywood/wood panels up to 10 mm thick to the frame. If desired, you can arrange a small house with a round entrance on the second tier. At this stage, a staircase/tunnel is provided, cutting an opening for it between the tiers.
- Roof and facade. The front part of the structure is made of mesh/lattice, fabric, and fragments of plexiglass are inserted. The lid should be removable to simplify the cleaning process. You can make a straight line, at different levels, with or without a slope.First, all wooden elements are cleaned with sandpaper.
- Doors. It is better to make double doors from two rectangles, decorated with a mesh/lattice on the facade. They are hung using awnings.
What should be in a ferret's cage?
In order for your pet to have a place to sleep, a place to eat and a place to play, the cage needs to be properly equipped. For this use:
- Trays. Containers come in corner and rectangular types. You can fill the containers with cat litter composition. It is replaced with a new one as needed.
- Containers for drinking and food. The size of the feeder and drinker is not particularly important. The main thing is the presence of reliable fastenings.
- Houses for sleeping. Their dimensions are 30x50x30 cm. It is also possible to make them from fabric and foam rubber with your own hands.
- Hammock. The hanging lounger is made of dense material and strong ropes.
- Tunnels, attractions. For this purpose, sewer pipes with a diameter of 110 mm and connecting angles of 45 °C are used. Any toys or ladders are suitable here.
Choice and how much does a ready-made solution cost?
The ferret cage you purchase should be large, made of durable materials, and have an attractive appearance.
Interesting examples
Cells made with your own hands have a lot of advantages. They are not only cost-effective, but also original. Among those in demand:
- Multi-tiered models made of wood/plexiglass. This housing option is convenient for a ferret and fits perfectly into the interior of the room. The roof can be sloping, flat, or gable.
- In the form of a castle. Suitable materials are wood, plywood sheets, and wicker. On each tier it is worth placing accessories and toys.
A cage for keeping a ferret is a cozy and safe home, where there are divisions into zones. You can either purchase it in a store or make it yourself. The main thing is to use environmentally friendly materials and use as much imagination as possible.