Cabin trip

[bishop24]

So we r going up to our cabin at the beginning of august and we r bringing our 2 ferrets.

Last year we just had captain flint (flinters) and it went pretty well. We brought a guinea pig sized cage for him to chill in and we had him on the leash the rest of the time (no part of the cabin is ferret proof) He absolutely loved it and I know he will hav a blast this year.

But my questions lie in our second ferret, Mrs Barlow (missy). She is an agoraphobic and freaks out whenever we bring her outside our condo. I'm working on showing her that outside is fun too but it's slow. And she is not a fan of the harness.

I'm so worried that she will be totally stressed out when we go. I'm going to bring up the traveling cage a few weeks before to get her used to it and my husband is going to build them a playpen to roam around in (under supervision only!) so they don't hav to be leashed all the time. And I'm gonna bring some of her fav toys and beds.

Does anyone else hav any suggestions? Things we should work on or stuff to bring? We can't leave her at home because everyone I trust is going up there with us

[Heather]

I would never suggest leaving her. This type of stimulation is good for her but I would be tempted to try some rescue remedy or even going as far as investigating the Bach Flower site or emailing one of their specialists. There are other remedies that might better suit her issues that might work better than rescue remedy. I used RR when I changed Dodger's cage to the Gentlemen's Gaming Room. He was initially quite traumatised but by using the RR it seems to have mellowed him out enough that he's opening up to the new space and situation.
One thing you might consider is getting a Marshals 11 panel play pen. It's easily packed flat. Is a great place to allow your little ones to stretch their legs and have fun without having to run leashes and harnesses. You can set up a complete play area.
ciao

[katt]

It sounds like you are already taking some really good steps to get her used to the travel cage and play pen before you leave. Bedding that smells like home can also help. I would also bring some Rescue Remedy as Heather suggested.

[bishop24]

Thanks for the suggestions!I've looked at the marshalls one before and it's crazy expensive. That's why we r going to build our own... or at least try.
I'm also looking into the rescue remedy. I'm not sure how I feel about it but it's definitely worth a look. I'm sorta an anti-medication person.
What are ur opinions of it?

[katt]

There is also a superpet version: www.amazon.com/Small-Animal-Supplies-Pet-N-Playpen-Rbtg/dp/B005OCWXKY/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1496123035&sr=8-3-fkmr0&keywords=super+pet+ferret+playpen

Several owners have given good reviews of this type of play pen, though I have not personally used it so I can't speak for it: www.amazon.com/OxGord-8-Panel-Pop-Up-Portable-PlayPen/dp/B00IUUK4V2/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1496123058&sr=8-6&keywords=marshalls+ferret+playpen

I also came across this one, but I have never seen or heard of it so I REALLY can't say if it is any good - the door worries me that they would be able to climb it..... www.amazon.com/OxGord-Metal-8-Panel-Folding-Exercise/dp/B00MU2F4NY/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1496123058&sr=8-12-spons&keywords=marshalls+ferret+playpen&psc=1