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Post by linsul on Feb 1, 2016 14:46:19 GMT -5
I'm getting a hybrid hob kit (SOON!) and the breeder recommends either a Quality cage or a PVC coated Martin Cage ferret Condo. I looked both up (Quality cage is steep $) and they're both wire. The martin cage has platforms it looks like on the floor, so between that and the price I'm leaning toward that. Unless the Quality one is better in some way I don't readily see. I currently have 3 ferrets in a 2 story FN, but the breeder is not a fan of them for hybrids so those are out. Anyone know if it's worth it to splurge on the Quality cage? and if so, how do you keep all that wire off their feet? Blankets wouldn't stay put, and I don't see an obvious way to wrap them like FN cages but maybe I'm blind or ignorant. When I try to zoom the pic the resolution gets too blurry for detail.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 1, 2016 15:02:28 GMT -5
I've never used a PVC coated Martin cage but my friend used a Quality cage when for his ferret when it lived in the shed because the shed had a heater in there, his ferret Boris opened it and escaped the shed, he hasn't seen Boris since.
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Post by linsul on Feb 1, 2016 15:15:48 GMT -5
Ack! That's no good, both the ones she recommends are due to safety and escape proofing. She did recommend getting extra hooks for the Martin Cage if I go that route. He'll be indoors though so if he can somehow get out he'll be relatively safe. We've ferret proofed and everything already but he'll probably teach us new tricks and we'll have to update!
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Post by Deleted on Feb 1, 2016 15:19:16 GMT -5
The quality cage i looked up, looks like it would be easy for a ferret to climb the outside because the horizontal bars are really close together, whereas Ferret Nation are more vertically fixed.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 1, 2016 15:21:30 GMT -5
Yes you will likely have to upgrade your pet proofing, polecats and hybrids are much stronger than ferrets and can get into anything, literally anything at all and thus don't give up easily, my European polecat opens the fridge sometimes and has made a hole in the bath panel so she sleeps under the bath tub too sometimes.
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Post by linsul on Feb 1, 2016 18:44:12 GMT -5
I'm going to visit the breeder this Sunday so I'm going to be sure to ask her specifically why they're so great in her opinion. I trust her thoughts on the matter fully I just wish I understood them myself better. I'm guessing the enclosed half platforms have something to do with it. I'd love for a FN to work because they're attractive cages as well as tanks in the abuse department, but she's really not a fan of them for hybrids. Frolicking ferrets I can't imagine one opening the fridge, wow! I'm a stay at home mom though so they're out with me and usually 3 other pairs of eyes so he won't be able to get in *too* much trouble I hope  |
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Post by Deleted on Feb 1, 2016 19:08:15 GMT -5
I've wanted a Martin's Cage for a long time, but its not doable until I move (hopefully soon!), so my bias says that one. I also notice that Quality either comes galvanized or powder coated. Powder coating is hugely expensive, and galvanized wire can be toxic for cage biters, or even self groomers if they rub on the wire enough.
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Post by Heather on Feb 1, 2016 20:49:23 GMT -5
I've had Martin cages in the past and didn't like them. They were older models though, so they may have improved on them. I know a lot of show and breeder people seem to like them so there has to be a reason. I would strongly suggest that you look closely at Joan's set up. I didn't like how difficult they were to set up and clean and I didn't like the wire floors. My guys also figured out how to open the latch on the door. As far as the FN...they work great if you set them up side by side and open it up to be double wide and a single level. Yes, my jills have figured out how to open them but you can use a latching system to prevent escaping, they also have to be in the right mood to open the latches on the FN.
I know nothing of the quality cages
ciao
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Post by linsul on Feb 1, 2016 20:59:59 GMT -5
I've had Martin cages in the past and didn't like them. They were older models though, so they may have improved on them. I know a lot of show and breeder people seem to like them so there has to be a reason. I would strongly suggest that you look closely at Joan's set up. I didn't like how difficult they were to set up and clean and I didn't like the wire floors. My guys also figured out how to open the latch on the door. As far as the FN...they work great if you set them up side by side and open it up to be double wide and a single level. Yes, my jills have figured out how to open them but you can use a latching system to prevent escaping, they also have to be in the right mood to open the latches on the FN. I know nothing of the quality cages ciao I'm so relieved to see you write that! I didn't like the doors (hard cleaning it looked like) and I have very strong wire hatred. I associate that strongly with mill animals from undercover fur farm videos. They may work great and be great so I'm not judging anyone who has them and loves them, that association is a personal one. What latch system do you use for the double wide FN? I really like that option for safety + cleanbility. I'll check out her setup for sure but I really would like a cage suitable for both pet and owner longevity and happiness. |
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Post by Heather on Feb 1, 2016 21:20:46 GMT -5
One of the things with the Martin cages is that many of them collapse flat, making them easily transported and put away. One of the thing that makes the FN cage unsuitable for intacts or at least hobs, is the levels. Hobs like to slink and slither. They catch their bits and their penises on the ladders and ledges and they slither around. Now this would be my concern with the Martin cages but maybe the cage wires are set up in such a manner that you won't find your hob practising for the olympics (giggle).
I presently just use a wire to wrap the latch but as this will be the first year that I've put hobs in a FN I may have to find something else to latch.
ciao
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Post by Deleted on Feb 2, 2016 4:40:11 GMT -5
One of the things with the Martin cages is that many of them collapse flat, making them easily transported and put away. One of the thing that makes the FN cage unsuitable for intacts or at least hobs, is the levels. Hobs like to slink and slither. They catch their bits and their penises on the ladders and ledges and they slither around. Now this would be my concern with the Martin cages but maybe the cage wires are set up in such a manner that you won't find your hob practising for the olympics (giggle). I presently just use a wire to wrap the latch but as this will be the first year that I've put hobs in a FN I may have to find something else to latch. ciao I'm glad that the cage I use for when I'm at ferret shows doesn't have wire levels, mine has plastic levels and it's very easy to clean, just take it outside, hose, scrub with formula H and then hose again  |
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Post by linsul on Feb 2, 2016 8:45:31 GMT -5
One of the things with the Martin cages is that many of them collapse flat, making them easily transported and put away. One of the thing that makes the FN cage unsuitable for intacts or at least hobs, is the levels. Hobs like to slink and slither. They catch their bits and their penises on the ladders and ledges and they slither around. Now this would be my concern with the Martin cages but maybe the cage wires are set up in such a manner that you won't find your hob practising for the olympics (giggle). I presently just use a wire to wrap the latch but as this will be the first year that I've put hobs in a FN I may have to find something else to latch. ciao LOL I hadn't even considered the "practicing for the Olympics" aspect Having never had an intact hob before it's going to be a learning experience in *many* ways! Poofing will be new too, and everything I've read says the youngsters go nuts with it for a bit in adolescence before tapering off. I hope none of the paint starts peeling lol! I definitely don't want any bits being caught frequently due to environment, that would hurt and who needs unnecessary pain? I think my plan will be to go and learn about what she has (I offered to be put to work while there, I hope she takes me up on it because doing while learning is great) and after all that try to make the case for the double wide FN. There's nothing specific about cages in the breeders contract but naturally I would like her to feel comfortable about where her kit ends up and keep everything on the level. If they're slinky and slithery a nice fleece-y floored and ramped cage is good I imagine. It's worth a shot. I'll probably wire wrap as well as it's simple and pretty hard to undo without opposable thumbs (I'm telling myself!) but would screw locking carabiners around where the cages join be added protection or can they magic them open? It's hard trying to outhink a creature I haven't met yet but their determination and ability are a known I'd like to try and be realistic with and prepared for. Joan sent an email Sunday saying the kits are zooming all over, and have great litter box habits. Yay |
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Post by Heather on Feb 2, 2016 13:27:47 GMT -5
The girls don't have opposable thumbs but they're smart. It's not that they know how to work the double latch...they know how to work against it. They've learned that if you hit it a couple of times you can sometimes get it to ride up on the hole in the bottom, once that's done they you bounce against it higher up to dislodge the upper latch....then everyone falls out. Once out, the girls go hunting for whatever poor rescue is loose in the room and thrash them.
The hob room has had much less escapes from their cages but that's just because they're generally lazy. The B&E twins have figured out how to flip the latch on their cages (they're home made) but they discovered that usually Tico's out and he thrashed them both....just not worth the effort lol. Now the hobs have done more escapes out of their room than anywhere else. Bacchus of the B&E twins figured out how to climb to the top of the cage, and jump over the demi wall. Tico has figured out how to hook his paws under the door and rattle it until the latch fails. There are tricks that they learn, invent that will throw you and really stretch your ferret proofing.
ciao
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Post by linsul on Feb 2, 2016 15:00:09 GMT -5
Too too smart! I'm beginning to think being at home all day with the ferrets was a major plus in the approval process based on what I'm learning about their capabilities. Crafty buggers I've told people before that ferrets are like a kitten-puppy-monkey mix, seems like hybrids get an extra dose of monkey in their observation and strategy abilities! I'm glad the B&E twins are avoiding Tico if he's claimed Lordship, all 3 have great stories. I can totally picture Tico laying down the law! I'll be on my toes for awhile, I'll have to see all of her ferret proofing and get some tips while there. Speaking of going there, is there any particular item for the ferrets that would be a good gift? Joan is very particular about food and I don't know where to go for that in Austin anyway. I was thinking toys, or heavy duty tunnels like the accordion folding kinds at hardware stores. Perhaps sheets or blankets? I'm not sure what toys are the best for hybrids so I figure I'd ask you. I don't want to show up empty handed and I don't want to ask her because that would ruin the surprise. |
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Post by Heather on Feb 2, 2016 15:24:10 GMT -5
Does she enjoy a good bottle of wine? I don't know her that well, though we've had some really good conversations it's always been on a ferret basis.
What do hybrids enjoy...some really good strong tunnels. Her guys, like mine come and go, inside and outside. I would ask Bella what she thought her little ones might truly enjoy as she's actually been there.
ciao
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