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Post by Deleted on Jan 2, 2016 15:41:22 GMT -5
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Nestbox
Jan 2, 2016 18:06:29 GMT -5
Post by Heather on Jan 2, 2016 18:06:29 GMT -5
Those are rather interesting and very cool. I have to create some physical nests (I think, I'm still not sure). At least I'm going to try to build something this year. Lady Lola seemed to be very comfortable creating her nests in the blankets in the nursery and it was certainly easier to clean (she just moved the kits to a new nest and then I cleaned up after everyone left) but it's so far from the normal thought of nests, I'm not sure it's the right way. ciao
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Post by Deleted on Jan 3, 2016 4:54:49 GMT -5
I think it's whatever suits. A friend of mine doesn't use nestboxes either and finds that suits him.
I did a lot of research before breeding and settled on this as a generally-accepted okay design for a nestbox. I remove the tube in the summer when the babies are older and these can make great winter nextboxes outside of season. I find it very handy for cleanout day - my jills only get spot-cleaned until the kits are 2 weeks old (and from a week before whelping) so I have big carriers and can move the entire nestbox into a carrier with Mum. They seem to be fairly happy with this and don't stress too much while I give the whole birthing suite a deep clean.
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Nestbox
Jan 3, 2016 13:02:54 GMT -5
Post by Sherry on Jan 3, 2016 13:02:54 GMT -5
Another of our UK members has also created underground nests in her outdoor enclosure, but using Rubbermaid tubs instead of wood(given they are buried).
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Post by Sherry on Jan 3, 2016 13:04:06 GMT -5
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Nestbox
Feb 24, 2016 21:48:26 GMT -5
Post by Deleted on Feb 24, 2016 21:48:26 GMT -5
Vicki can I ask how big your nest boxes are? I am planning on making some but could not decide on which size would be best. Did you paint them?
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Nestbox
Mar 6, 2016 15:21:05 GMT -5
Post by Deleted on Mar 6, 2016 15:21:05 GMT -5
I didn't paint them and they are approximately 14" x 10" footprint and 10" high BUT I did make them for smaller than standard ferrets. Having said that my group of 3 standard ferrets all manage to squeeze into one of these no problem.
I don't tend to paint them inside because I like the fact that the wood won't sweat or build condensation if they're all toasty in there ... but when it comes to disinfection I use a pet-safe disinfectant and really scrub and soak them and then leave them to dry naturally.
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Post by crazylady on Mar 7, 2016 12:45:57 GMT -5
if you turn those on there side they are like the nest boxes that are built into my cages ( no tunnel though just a hole 1/4 way up and entry is from inside the cage ) I have a door I can peek into if mom is busy but because it is in her eyes totally dark its safe she thinks there is only one way in via the hole I think she thinks the fairys clean the beds out lol take care bye for now Bev
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Nestbox
Mar 8, 2016 10:45:22 GMT -5
Post by Deleted on Mar 8, 2016 10:45:22 GMT -5
Thanks, they are standard size females so I was thinking of making them 12"x16-18" and about 12" high so it seems like that would work then, I wont paint them then, just clean them well once the litter is weaned. Is there anything you would do differently for building them?
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Post by Deleted on Mar 8, 2016 10:59:03 GMT -5
It depends on your setup really ... this is a front-to-back opening box, but actually I have two others that are side-side opening, as in most of my pens the nestboxes are just to one side of the door and the tube heads towards the back wall, the side-side opening is better for me (just more convenient). But otherwise I have got along well with these boxes and haven't had any trouble. If you intend to use a detachable tube make sure it fits reasonably snugly into the hole so that there aren't any small gaps that babies can get trapped in ... and also ensure you can lock it into place, as otherwise Mum may move it and accidently trap a little one. I also find many of my Mums like to have a small piece of fleece draped over the end of the tube to make it even more private
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Nestbox
Sept 23, 2016 18:59:21 GMT -5
via mobile
Post by Deleted on Sept 23, 2016 18:59:21 GMT -5
Another of our UK members has also created underground nests in her outdoor enclosure, but using Rubbermaid tubs instead of wood(given they are buried). That is so freaking cool!!
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