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Post by Nicole on Mar 5, 2019 0:04:14 GMT -5
I have 3 ferrets that are about 2 or 3 yrs old that we adopted about 9 months ago. When we got them we were in a 2 bedroom apmt and they could run around when we were home. We just bought a 3 bedroom house and want to keep it nice so they are allowed to run in the living room and dining room/kitchen but no bedrooms. This has resulted in them being depressed and sleeping. They play a little hardcore before going and pouting in the cage and passing out. I've tried most enrichment ideas but feel like I'm falling short. We'd like to craft them an area that they can hide in and put their "treasures" or toys. We are really stressed and worried about their well being and refuse to give up on them but my brain cant think of ways to do this.
So any ideas would be awesome. (Also weve had 6 ferrets total in our 10 years together so we have a lot of toys new and old and tubes)
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Post by caitmonster on Mar 5, 2019 9:24:43 GMT -5
An area they can hide in--box and tunnel fort/maze, that connects dig boxes with different things in them and that you can rearrange from time to time? Are you someplace where you would feel comfortable walking them outside?  Or maybe use two of the larger Marshall's playpens connected together for outdoor time, weather permitting?
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Post by Nicole on Mar 5, 2019 11:35:20 GMT -5
Ah those are great ideas cait! I checked ou the tumblr blog too and really like their ideas as well ! We live in texas so its unfortunately difficult to let them outside too often with it being so hot.
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Post by raynebc on Mar 5, 2019 12:49:02 GMT -5
Does it get cool enough in the evening for a little outdoor pen time?
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Post by Nicole on Mar 6, 2019 0:04:24 GMT -5
It depends on the day and time of year. It can get cool, down to about 75F but it can also remain in the upper 80s HC of humidity.
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Post by peacexlovexpets on Mar 6, 2019 17:47:48 GMT -5
I have three boys in a 2bdrm apartment, and the noodles are only allowed in the kitchen and living room (so not a crazy amount of space). The main thing is upholding the quality of space, not the quantity of space. My boys have 2 dig boxes with different substrates (one has rice, the other sunflower seeds). They are both standard storage totes that have about a 14" high wall with about 8" of seeds/rice covering the bottom. I rotate which bin is open (the other gets stored away in the closet) in order to keep the dig box novel. Some days I don't put out either dig box, so then they play even harder when it is out. Dig boxes can be messy to upkeep though, even with high sides (my guys war dance and seeds end up everywhere), so that's something to keep in mind. For hidey spots, I use boxes that I cut a hole in the front and place around the house. For the most part, they like a stable hidey hole, so it would definitely be worth the time to building a permanent hidey hole with lots of fun blankets in it, or getting them a cat box/tower that they can use (as it would look a lot nicer than cardboard boxes strewn about). I also supply my guys with scratch mats that are normally used for cats. Look for a horizontal scratch mat with a curve to it, so when they scratch it they are doing a digging motion. My guys love the looped carpet mats like this one: www.amazon.com/Petlinks-Dream-Multi-Surface-Scratcher-Catnip/dp/B01N5RECC1/ref=sr_1_11?keywords=cat+scratch+carpet&qid=1551912362&s=gateway&sr=8-11They refuse to scratch the sisel or cardboard mats, but they have done a number on their scratch pads like this. I usually keep it in their cage with them so they can amuse themselves when I am at work. It also helps to get new toys that they can hide. I will get bulk stuffed mice and throw them all over the floor and two of my boys will hide them one by one. Every now and again I take all of the toys out of their hidey spots and throw them out again, so they have to rehide them. Good luck! |
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Post by Heather on Mar 7, 2019 21:13:39 GMT -5
Have you tried puzzle mats or boards for them. I use the ones that you use for dogs (hide the treat) and let them manipulate the puzzle bits
ciao
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Post by peacexlovexpets on Mar 8, 2019 9:48:26 GMT -5
Have you tried puzzle mats or boards for them. I use the ones that you use for dogs (hide the treat) and let them manipulate the puzzle bits ciao Have you ever tried using the foraging mats? They are fleece mats that are for pet pigs to root in, not sure if it would be beneficial for ferrets or not, especially if they are on a raw diet (as you can't really safely sanitize the mat). |
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Post by abbeytheferret6 on Mar 12, 2019 10:57:13 GMT -5
Is this what you are wanting to do? If you want to send a private message just click on their name and you will be able to send them one. If you just want to quote someone and just reply here---- highlight the part you want. Then, click ur mouse to copy and paste here like so. but I want you all to know my boyfriend and I are going shopping for a lot of these things to craft and make our noodles lives better!! I'm really excited Read more: holisticferret60.proboards.com/thread/25098/enrichment-ideas#ixzz5hyPZMEIKI can put it in a quote box by highlighting the text that I have copied here then hitting the quote tab. When I Post Quick Reply it will display in a box. |
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Post by abbeytheferret6 on Mar 25, 2019 9:00:31 GMT -5
Good idea--I taped several of my lower cabinets closed with painter's tape---not pretty but works.I do not need them anyway. Yeah, my girl would use them to get in silverware drawer and then get on counter. It is a little scary as they don't seem to understand how to go back down. I worried about the hot coffee pot and glass top stove which stays hot after use.
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