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Post by JLane on Jan 12, 2015 10:20:25 GMT -5
I have done a ton of research on ferrets and would love to have them all, but I do have one major concern:
I am physically disabled and use a wheelchair most of the time. Would ferrets get used to that and eventually learn to avoid the wheels and not be freaked out by it? The last thing I would want is for them to get run over or be scared of me all the time! Any advice is welcome and appreciated.
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Post by bitbyter on Jan 12, 2015 10:54:52 GMT -5
I'd say it would be difficult but not impossible. Do you live alone? That will definitely change the level of difficulty.
Some suggestions:
I'd suggest a Ferret Nation set up as a wide instead of a tall (the sections set side by side instead of on top of each other). Raise it up a bit and it should be at an easy height to clean in a wheelchair.
As for the danger of the ferrets getting under the wheels. I think you could click train them to either climb up on your lap or into the cage when you are on the move. It would take time and effort but I think it could be done. The key is you'd have to know exactly where they are at all times when you are moving. A ferret under a wheelchair wheel would be very bad.
The biggest problem I can think of would be cleaning up "accidents" when they are out and about. Litterbox training can be kind of hit and miss with ferrets. Some are better than others but there is usually some percentage of "misses". Finding and accessing their stashes might be an issue as well. They love hiding things under furniture or other hard to reach places.
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Post by JLane on Jan 12, 2015 12:52:38 GMT -5
I do live alone but friends and family visit about a few times a week and help me with sweeping/vacuuming when needed. I can get up and stand or walk a very limited amount before needing to sit again, so cleaning up accidents is possible.
Setting up Ferret nation sections side by side would be ideal. Can that be done with any model?
I haven't thought of the possibility of training them to suit my needs. That would be great! I also have experience wheeling around babies and puppies so that should help a lot.
Thanks for your reply. It is very helpful. I have a lot of planning to do, but i might make a good ferrent one day!
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Post by msav on Jan 12, 2015 13:07:11 GMT -5
Most ferrets have a lack of any fear whatsoever. I am not sure a ferret and a wheelchair would be co-inhabitable situation. I feel that a ferret may actually seek out the wheels on the wheelchair.
They are really curious and I would be worried about them getting into something dangerous and that you would not be able to get to them in time to save them.
That is just my thought. However I have no idea what your living setup is in your house and if you could ferret proof. But I know even with ferret proofing Mine seem to grab the occasional dangerous piece of rubber and run off with it to their hidey under a table, dresser, ect. I am not sure if you would be able to get to them to get it away from them in time.
This is just one situation that I can think of off the top of my head. If you knew the personality of the ferret before you got them it would be a bit easier to predict their behavior.
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Post by bitbyter on Jan 12, 2015 13:07:19 GMT -5
My concern would be the moving around. If it was me, I would absolutely make sure they were either in their cage or on your lap. Ferrets move FAST and LOVE being underfoot. To me, I think moving around in a wheelchair with them out and about with knowing exactly where they are from second to second would be a big risk. As for the cage. Yes I believe the newer models can be setup like that. You'd need two base units. Just take out the middle panel and ziptie them together. www.ferret.com/item/ferret-nation-habitat-model-181-single-unit/650428/ |
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Post by Deleted on Jan 12, 2015 13:34:08 GMT -5
I'm sure they would love a ride on your lap while you wheel around!
My brother who is older is in a wheelchair, he hasn't been to mine since I got Percy, so I cannot advise if Percy is freaked out or not, But I guess expose to anything makes it "normal" Gosh I miss those rides as a kid when I couldn't walk anymore and I sat on my brothers lap while mum pushed us! Poor mum
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Post by Blue on Jan 12, 2015 13:41:48 GMT -5
There's also the issue of ferrets finding your wheels tempting and delicious. My Maisie isn't a chewer, but she likes to give a quick nip to the tires of my bikes when she goes by. It really depends on the kind of rubber, though. Perhaps test prospective ferrets on that? Some may be completely indifferent. I would so love for you to have a ferret, but it is definitely going to require some extra ferret-proofing. Even wearing shoes vs being in socks/barefoot makes a difference in not stepping on the buggers (you don't want to know how I know that  ), so with the lack of feedback, wheels will make it extra hard. |
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Post by bitbyter on Jan 12, 2015 13:58:37 GMT -5
I hope I didn't overstep. I started a thread on our FB page asking if any members there had any experience with this. If you can join there we are getting a number of good responses.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 12, 2015 14:42:38 GMT -5
My husband is in a wheelchair. He doesnt move unless he is sure they are not around him. He cleans the boxes in the ferret nation. Also changes all the bedding. As far as misses on the floor he can clean thoses too. We use baby wipes so no need to spray or anything. I clean the playpen. When they are let out at night he just sits by the door until they have said their hi then he moves around. We have exit ramps for ferret nation and they put themselves to bed when they are tired and he just closes the door. They dont bother the tires but they did eat the reset botton he has powerchair. If you have any more questions i would be glad to pm my number to discuess with you too.
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Post by RedSky on Jan 12, 2015 18:25:22 GMT -5
I'm glad radiated1 has some positive news for you. I think if you are determined and get some calmer ferrets (maybe older ones who aren't going to be teething and less likely to put things in their mouths), have an area (a room or two) where they can be 100% safe from eating things or getting into trouble them it can be done.
I personally don't think there is anything wrong with the ferrets being kept in one room as long as they get lots of experiences and toys in that room and lots of interaction with you and other ferrets they should (IMO) be perfectly fine. Much better than staying at a rescue or living solely in a tiny 'rabbit' hutch at the bottom of the garden.
My Korra would probably be fine with something like that, she loves to climb up onto my lap. I'll just ignore how much she bites for this example haha! My Mako would be very interested in the wheel but like everything else it would soon become the norm. Bolin would probably sniff them then find somewhere to sleep... So can very much depend on the ferret.
I think it is doable, but ferrets are not an 'easy' pet (but what is?) and not being able to react as quick might be a problem but I think it can be overcome with some work.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 12, 2015 19:07:10 GMT -5
The least amount of ferrets would be better too--keeping an eye on one would be a lot easier. Sometimes you think they r not around a low and behold........near accident. Like under dishwasher door and bottom of refridgerator drawer (the freezer on bottom)-----near accidents on both of these with mine. Scary,Scary,Scary. If u have one, you can call it with your squeaky, and hold it ----I don't know how well you could hold two or more and ride around. i like what one says about her husband not moving in chair until he knows where they r. One definitely with squeaky toy. Just my opinion.  |
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Post by Deleted on Jan 12, 2015 19:16:56 GMT -5
One thing to note my daughter and myself help carry litter to the basement and the trash out. They are raw fed and we also have 3 fosters right now. Sounds weird but we have a serving tray like for drinks. Place 2 bowls of raw food and 1 bowl of kibble soup (for the adoptable only) twice a day to the basement. My husband can still walk a little bit so he goes downstairs and then uses a wheelchair that is down there separate from the one upstairs. Ferret nation can be cleaned from the chair if you have someone to help ie...we use baby wipes. I put clean litter in a trash can and dirty wipes and dirty litter in another. We have clean and dirty laundry baskets. When one is full its taken upstairs and brought back clean. And he spends more time playing with them than i do since i clean and prep all the raw food and kibble soup
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Post by JLane on Jan 14, 2015 15:53:18 GMT -5
I truly appreciate all of the responses.
I have decided that I really would rather not use my wheelchair to move around while a ferret is out roaming around (for a lot of the reasons mentioned here). I would never get one while living alone unless I truly felt confident that I could give it the home it needs and deserves, so no worries about that. I have wanted one for 18 years, so I'm currently an expert at resisting the temptation. I am totally obsessed with watching videos though and cuddling other people's fuzzies when I get the chance. I may set up a room and test it out with a coworker's little one just to see if it's workable in some way.
I requested to join the FB group and am still pending, so I can't see any responses there yet.
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Post by bitbyter on Jan 14, 2015 16:07:11 GMT -5
What is your FB name? I will send you the questionnaire.
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Post by JLane on Jan 15, 2015 9:50:45 GMT -5
Jane Tinsley
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), so with the lack of feedback, wheels will make it extra hard.