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Post by Deleted on Aug 23, 2017 12:21:51 GMT -5
I've looked and looked so maybe I'm just over complicating things, but are there any special sewing methods for ferrets? With my gliders everything had to be tightly stitched (tightest it could go without breaking) and have hidden seams so that their tiny nails couldn't get caught, is that necessary with ferrets? Are there any fabrics that aren't safe to use?
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Post by LindaM on Aug 23, 2017 12:32:17 GMT -5
I just use normal machine stitching (single/double/zigzag) on all my pieces, and use an over-locking stitch afterwards on the edges of pieces that benefit from it such as their fleece pan liners, that way they are much more durable when going through the wash and don't risk stretching out of shape. I would though if you plan to use something like velcro on something, make sure to place that somewhere the ferrets' cannot get to as many love to munch on velcro and it can cause blockages. I use velcro to snuggly attach my fleece liners onto my cage pans, their velcro pieces are inset on the back, so it ends up on the pan bottoms which rest on the wires and can't be crawled into like if they were on the sides. Here's an example of the stitching used on the fleece liners for mine (zigzag and overlock, single on velcro):  |
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Post by Deleted on Aug 23, 2017 13:53:40 GMT -5
Thank you so much! That is so helpful!
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Post by LindaM on Aug 23, 2017 14:08:33 GMT -5
If you have a rather minor chewer (nibbles but never breaks pieces off or ingests any), you may wish to enforce more, but if you have a definite chewer, you will need to look into other fabric options for bedding and the like. Some of the wee buggers will try to munch up fleece and the like and then it's "hello vet visit" for help and even possible surgery. I think it has been recommended to use a sturdy material like jean/denim for the chewers.
And if you plan to make your own toys, like soft and stuffed toys, the same rules apply as it does with all toys. Check them regularly for any damage and remove and fix if there is, or toss them out. We do a daily check of all our ferrets' toys for any damages to them.
PS. Something I found cost-saving for making something like fleece pan liners was to use fleece on the top, and then since the back isn't actually in contact with the ferrets, thus not needing to be fluffy or special, I used flannel which was cheaper by the yard by comparison to the nice fleeces.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 23, 2017 14:44:59 GMT -5
Thank you! I'm not sure if she is a heavy chewer yet but I will remember that about the blue jean material if she is, that is AWESOME that we have to option of using flannel on the backside of stuff since fleece is both more expensive AND super bulky to see through if you're doing more than two layers! lol it's basically like having another toddler in the house with super strong teeth 😂
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Post by LindaM on Aug 23, 2017 15:08:32 GMT -5
Kits will chew a bit in the stage when they are teething, that's pretty natural, and then stop. Some ferrets however, are avid little chewers and nothing is safe from a determined chewing ferret, they are also the ones most likely to get a blockage from it. That said, it's always good practice to keep an eye on ALL ferrets, as even those that do not chew even for years, may just do it once on a whim one day and also end up with a blockage (it's surprising how small a piece of something can end up as a life-threatening blockage, hence NO rubber, and NO foam, EVER).
Once in our new home, I will try to make some other ferret goodies for mine (since they will be getting their own 300sqft bedroom), I saw some nice flannel fabrics that are beautiful, but not exactly soft and plush, I will use these as an outside to hammocks/sleepy sacks/cuddle cups, etc. instead and then for the inside the more expensive plush fabrics mine so adore.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 23, 2017 16:01:24 GMT -5
Kits will chew a bit in the stage when they are teething, that's pretty natural, and then stop. Some ferrets however, are avid little chewers and nothing is safe from a determined chewing ferret, they are also the ones most likely to get a blockage from it. That said, it's always good practice to keep an eye on ALL ferrets, as even those that do not chew even for years, may just do it once on a whim one day and also end up with a blockage (it's surprising how small a piece of something can end up as a life-threatening blockage, hence NO rubber, and NO foam, EVER). Once in our new home, I will try to make some other ferret goodies for mine (since they will be getting their own 300sqft bedroom), I saw some nice flannel fabrics that are beautiful, but not exactly soft and plush, I will use these as an outside to hammocks/sleepy sacks/cuddle cups, etc. instead and then for the inside the more expensive plush fabrics mine so adore. Very wise advice, thank you! I'm thrilled to be able to use flannel on the outside of stuff since you can get SUCH cute patterns for it for way less than the patterned blizzard fleece runs you. Hello Halloween themed cage 😂 |
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Post by LindaM on Aug 23, 2017 16:51:08 GMT -5
I actually picked up a few normal fabrics, you know, the harder cotton ones, simply because of the adorable patterns. I have some black with lime-green batties that I plan on using outside with really, plush bright lime-green fleece to go on the inside. Not sure if I will have those done by this Halloween though, there's just so much going on right now... moving is the worst, LOL! ; P
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Post by Deleted on Aug 23, 2017 16:55:21 GMT -5
That sounds so cute! You can even use cotton? Awesome! Ugh moving IS the absolute worst 😖 I wish you lots of luck and speedy progress on packing/unpacking.
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Post by LindaM on Aug 23, 2017 17:04:56 GMT -5
Thank you! My nails are already the worse for wear.. sigh. But, trying to get a move on with the packing, even though ferrets keep ending in my lap and I feel to bad to bug them. But I am sure they are going to love their new room, lots of space to stay in and no longer caged at night, and free-roam allowed of the entire downstairs 1800sqft once that is all proofed.
Sure. I haven't had a problem with cotton, I won't use it as the main surface, like the inside of a hammock or sleeping sack as it is obviously not that comfy, but for the outside areas that don't get used of things, there shouldn't be an issue. My ferrets are fine with fleece, plush fleece, flannel and cottons (whether soft or harder), but they do prefer to sleep in the softer fabrics, other than Athena who has no qualms about even denim as she sleeps in her papa's jeans in his drawer.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 23, 2017 17:08:48 GMT -5
That is AWESOME I'm sure they will be over the moon once things get settled. And I'm thrilled lol it looks like sewing for ferrets is going to be a lot more fun than sewing for sugar gliders where everything has to be done super super carefully which means zero mistakes can be made sewing because it is impossible to fish those stitches out.
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Post by aurra on Aug 23, 2017 20:30:12 GMT -5
This is all great advice. I'm lucky enough to have a fabric shop near me. On normal days is $12-$20/yard on sale days it's $3-$8/yard for fleece. Even if I bought the expensive stuff, it would cost as much as a sleep sack from my pet store. I didn't even sew my bed pans because they love to go in and play with a fleece and my boy likes to sleep on hard surface sometimes.. he's a weirdo.. I just cut big enough pieces and fold them in half and put them in. This way they will move them to use the corner to poop as well.
What should I do with the couch I catch my girl chewing though. Do I get that bitter apple stuff? I just got this furniture and I went with Ikea because I wanted something cheap that I won't mind them climbing and scratching but the eating is a no no. Help?
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Post by LindaM on Aug 23, 2017 20:50:03 GMT -5
aurra I designed my pan covers myself, hubby and I measured them to make sure they are a tight fit and seal with velcro on the back, my ferrets never get in under the pan because of it, and also never move the fleece covers since they can't, so they also never ever make a mistake poop anywhere in their cage. They have loads of fleece blankets in there to crawl around under, so they do not mind at all. Sadly, a bitterant will not help you. The success of a bitterant with ferrets is more miss than hit. I have a bottle of Fooey I once tried in desperation for my cat and ferrets.. suffice to say... nobody gave a crap. What most often will happen is the following: A) Ferret bites, it tastes bad, they will bite right next to it and so on until there is a spot without it, B) They don't give a crap at all and bite right through it anyway, C) This is more serious, and it can actually happen, especially with kits.. they bite it, and then go have food while that bitter taste is still in their mouth, and then associate the food with the nasty taste and refuse to eat. Try offering her something good to chew on, natural and healthy, like chicken wings or gizzards. Gizzards are especially chewy and are amazing for building up jaw strength to munch bones.
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Post by aurra on Aug 23, 2017 22:04:14 GMT -5
LindaM mine are still kits and potty training.. 😫 they will poop in any corner. One is good at the litter box but my lady has a hard time remembering to use it lol. But I will probably make pan covers once they learn. There's only so much poopy fleece I can wash lol. Thanks for the advice on the couch eating though. I'll try offering some bone to her next time.
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