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Post by Deleted on Mar 24, 2011 10:39:57 GMT -5
I posted something like this a while back on the old forum. I have 3 ferrets named Twitch, Damien, and Kale. They are all going on 3 years old now and for the life of me, I can not get them to use a litter box. The first cage we had for them was a ferret nation 142 and I loved it! It gave the kids so much room. But we made the mistake of not putting enough in it. They had 2 hammocks and some toys but not nearly as filled like I've seen in some pictures. I was told that because of this we did not establish a living area and a potty area for the ferrets in their cage. As a result, they took to pooping and peeing in any corner that was available. And the way the FN is made, any poop or pee in the corner can easily fall right out the side and onto my carpet (and also my wall!) When we moved we got a different cage. It had a deep bottom and a few shelves. This one is okay but I find the shelves bow a lot (I've got fat ferrets) and they knock down their ramps on a daily basis. Also, attaching hammocks is hard because the cage is tall instead of wide and there is only room for about 2 hammocks to be placed only at the top.
So we want to switch back to using the FN (and this time we are going to pimp it out with all sorts of comfy things!) How can I get the ferrets to use the potty on at least a semi regular basis? I was thinking of using several boxes so that they have one in each corner of the bottom level.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 24, 2011 11:00:46 GMT -5
Litter training in the cage.....this works for us. If you kids are in a 142 FN cage. You will need to close off one of the levels.
Bring them down to one level.....ground floor.
Place a high back litter box/rectangle cat litter box on one side of cage.
On the other side of the cage: in one corner food bowl. Other corner water bowl/bottle.
Place low hanging hammock for them to sleep in.
Cover the floor with blankets/toys
Make sure all corners are covered.
Leave poop in litter box. Remind them it's the potty area. Once they start going, then you can scoop it out.
Don't be in hurry to put the shelves back. Make sure you re enforce this behavior.
Don't rush the litter training.....remember this is a life time. It's going to be less work for mom in the future when you little one uses the litter box. Be patience and consistent with your training.
As I always say - "Whats the Hurry"
Good luck in your litter training.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 24, 2011 11:27:42 GMT -5
I agree 100%
My newest addition was not great at pottying in the box. So we stripped it down to one level, and after 3 weeks she has only had 3 accidents (most in the beginning). She knows exactly where to potty. She won't potty by the water dish, the food area, and on her blankies any more.
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Post by Sherry on Mar 24, 2011 23:48:42 GMT -5
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Post by thelittleladybug on Mar 25, 2011 16:08:23 GMT -5
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Post by Sherry on Mar 26, 2011 17:25:09 GMT -5
Yeah, I know ;D But that's basically what it is!
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