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Post by sakuraferret on Mar 24, 2011 7:10:40 GMT -5
Alright, im sorry for the delay. I checked around our apartment for the problem spots, and took the best pictures possible. I am trying to think of a sensible way to block them off so the fuzzy will be safe. Any ideas?  Thank you so much! |
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Post by shilohismygirl on Mar 24, 2011 8:13:22 GMT -5
Could you maybe use one of those ferret playpens? Mine can't climb over, but for those who can, I have heard that cutting a drainage tube on the side and draping it over the top makes it very difficult for them to scale. Or, could you make plexiglass gates? I've seen some of those done very successfully.
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Post by Sherry on Mar 24, 2011 9:33:18 GMT -5
First, I have no idea how large or small your apt. is, but is there any way to block off the kitchen? That would prevent fuzz from getting under the fridge, stove, etc. For that washer, some sort of gate latched onto the front should work.
And how high is the tv stand? If it's about 3' high, just don't put anything next to it that he/she can climb up on and it *should* be fine.
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Post by shilohismygirl on Mar 24, 2011 10:07:32 GMT -5
Yeah, I was thinking that I can't really get a feel of how big your apartment is and what kind of gates or blocks would be best
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Post by katt on Mar 24, 2011 12:57:41 GMT -5
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Post by sakuraferret on Mar 24, 2011 19:11:28 GMT -5
Im so sorry you guys, i'll try to give more details. Our apartment is very small, like a studio apartment. I would like to give the ferret as much free run as possible with his/her family, and I am concerned we just can't fit a large pen for the ferret in our small livingroom/bedroom anyway. There is a door between the livingroom/bedroom area, and the kitchen/bathroom area. I'll have to block under the door somehow I am sure. However, I had a feeling the ferret would be determined to explore the "forbidden area" and should the ferret find a way to get past the "forbidden door", I wanted to make sure he/she can't jump straight into trouble.  As a thought, they do sell a kind of plastic cardboard in large sheets are our local home goods store. It's not a super fix, but maybe would deter a determined ferret long enough for me to stop them from getting into further trouble? The TV is about 2.5 feet above the floor, however there are some steps you can't see that I wonder if the ferret could figure out how to climb to access the TV and back area. Here is a new photo.  I will look at some gates when I go shopping today, but our hallway in the kitchen/bathroom area is VERY narrow. I might be able to make shift a plastic gate with that plastic cardboard that would just give me enough time to catch the fuzz if he/she makes a great escape from the safe area. I hope this is better detailed, if you need more pictures or information I will do my best to share.  |
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Post by katt on Mar 24, 2011 19:25:51 GMT -5
I would screw a piece of plexi (with hinges on one side and a latch on the other) across the step to the right of your TV. Also, they make weather stripping for doors, perhaps you could find some? I would worry about the chew factor there though. Plywood cut in long strips to the size you need could be good for covering all of the other nooks and crannies.
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Post by katt on Mar 24, 2011 19:30:07 GMT -5
Could you get a small piece of wood and screw it to the bottom of the door?
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Post by sakuraferret on Mar 24, 2011 19:58:18 GMT -5
It's an apartment so we are not allowed to make any holes in anything, not even the walls for hanging a picture (although we get away with tiny tacks) When we buy a house at some point, i'll probably design a ferret proof livingroom from the get-go though! |
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Post by Sherry on Mar 25, 2011 0:00:34 GMT -5
One thing that might work for the kitchen doorway, since nailing something to the door is not going to be allowed without you having to replace the door. One person on the old forum DID drill a couple of holes in the sides of the doorway, and put in a piece of plywood with simple latch bolts to hold it in place, off set from each other. The beauty of this is the fact that you can patch them easily with some wood putty, and when that dries, sand and stain it, and it's almost invisible  The problem with temporary fixes like the plastic cardboard you are talking about is the fact that when fuzz knows you'll jump up to grab them away from it every single time, they will very single mindedly go back to that spot again, and again, and again  ;D So it almost has to be something they can go at, and finally become discouraged by so they will finally leave it alone. For the TV stand, yes- they could definitely get up there, no problem at all ;D plexi would be your best bet with that one. Again- you can later fill any holes with wood putty, sand, and restain. Just thought of something even better for the kitchen!!! Can you get something like this there: www.safety1st.com/usa/eng/Products/Home-Safety/Gates/Details/448-41824-Perfect-Fit-GateThat's what I use, and out of 9, I've only got one who can scale it. When his group is in the bedroom playing for the day, I just put in a piece of plywood between the gate and the doorjamb, and c-clamp it in place so he can't get over. |
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Post by sakuraferret on Mar 26, 2011 7:11:52 GMT -5
Thanks so much for all the wonderful advice! I will try a few ideas out and I guess once the baby is home we'll watch how he tests the bountries! I can understand the ongoing process. ;D
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;D