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Post by Deleted on Apr 12, 2012 22:36:04 GMT -5
So I am looking at getting ferrets in a couple of months, and just trying to get details and supplies worked out ahead of time so I'm not all afluster when my babies come home with me. Here are a few questions I'm curious about. At the moment I am looking at getting a Ferret Nation Model 182 Double Unit, for two ferrets. Does anyone have any experience with that model? I only saw one review that wasn't glowing but I figure the more info I have the better. I know that the floors of that one are metal, so to soften it up I was going to line the floors and platforms with some kind of fabric, either felt or denim, and secure the fabric on the outside. Does that sound like a plan, or would ferrets be likely to tear it up and swallow threads? For litter, I have heard good things about Yesterday's News and Back 2 Nature, which one (or other litter) have you guys had the best experiences with? For vet trips, should I get each ferret a carrier or would they be okay snuggling up in one? (Also are cat carriers okay?) Would bird toys be okay for ferrets? (Any specific toys or toy brands you know about would be cool) Sorry, I kind of branched off from talking about cages. I just have so many questions! I picked up an owners manual from a pet store today and I'm planning on getting Ferrets for Dummies as well.  |
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Post by Deleted on Apr 12, 2012 22:56:43 GMT -5
getting 182 would be fine...its just not as stable as the older version. I'll tell you why: no assembly required means that if you're not careful and accidentally pull on the second level, the cage will fall apart. But its steady enough..just don't pull on it. Beddings always a must...  I personally use Yesterdays News, I haven't experimented with switching so i can't answer that. As for carriers, oh it soooo depends. If the ferrets are already bonded, one carrier should be fine. if they aren't...that will be one interesting car ride.... And yes Getting Ferrets for Dummies is important Its going to be your Bible. |
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Post by Deleted on Apr 12, 2012 23:12:27 GMT -5
Ferret nations are on sale now at ferret.com so get one now. Also get ferrets for fummies second edition. Imo buying litter is literally throwing money away. I use free newdpaper I get from my mom. Asides from that I usec to use exquisicat paper pellets from petsmart $9 for 25 lbs I think. Much better then yesterdays news which I have found plastic and pieces of staples in it. Plus it hardly absorbs.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 12, 2012 23:14:48 GMT -5
For bedding go to rose german of little feet ferret bedding use coupon code Go15
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Post by Deleted on Apr 12, 2012 23:33:34 GMT -5
Will you be getting your ferrets from a shelter? Sort of like "pre-owned" ?
I have older model FNs and disassembled them from being vertical units - to being horizontal units. Took them off their bases too and placed them on plastic "tables" which are simply sections from plastic shelving units. I found the wheels of the FN to be totally inadequate for rolling across a carpeted floor. The low bottom shelf just created a great place for my kids to stash things underneath which required more moving of the cages and the wheels began to disintegrate. So while placement on these tables means I can't move the cages, I find I don't NEED to because I can easily vacuum under the tables!
Setting these up like this puts the cages at a level I can easily reach inside to clean. The horizontal op surfaces offer a place I can stretch tunnels across. But could also offer a place to create a shelf by just laying some hardboard on top. I did that for a couple days until my tunnel idea hit me.
I use bath mats for my flooring and so far *knocks on wood* haven't had ANY problems with any of the ferrets chewing the vinyl backing. I toss these in the wash for easy cleaning! Nice thing about the bath mats, besides the easy cleaning is they come in a wide variety of colors and patterns. If you go this route make sure the mats you get use cut pile - NOT looped pile so their claws won't get stuck. Also I'd stay away from any long fake fur styles.
Cat carriers work fine for ferrets. I've used the fold up kind as well as aircraft style. The bigger ones work nice because they offer room for a litter pan. Stretch a hammock across the top half and each ferret can have a place to their self if needed during the mobile excursion.
Leave the carrier in their play area so they get used to it and it doesn't always mean a trip to the vet.
Ferrets for Dummies is a great start,the second edition is out now too. Of course, for the very best info on natural ferret care and feeding this is THE spot! Tons of help, a wide variety of ideas and approaches all with the health and happiness of the ferret in mind!
You do realize that the minute you get your first ferret you are now enslaved, right? No more free will to do what YOU want - it all comes second to what the ferret needs ( or wants).
Welcome aboard!
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Post by Deleted on Apr 12, 2012 23:55:27 GMT -5
I am planning on buying my first ferrets from a pet store. In the future I would love to look into rescuing but as I have no experience I don't want to rescue a ferret with behavioral problems and potentially make them worse. I also am going to ask if there are two that get along particularly well. (I looked into breeders in my area and I was unsuccessful, but the pet store I am planning on buying from is a quality pet store and they give GREAT info on pets)
In addition to whatever I line the cage with I plan on getting bedding such as hammocks, igloos, sacks...speaking of which, would strips of felt in the igloo work well for a burrow-y type bed?
I've added to my List of Things to Get, thanks for your comments!
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Post by Sherry on Apr 13, 2012 0:02:04 GMT -5
The advantage of adopting from a shelter are greater than you may imagine  the shelter mom will know the personalities of the ferrets there, so will be better able to match you up. Litter training and nip training will already be done. And no reputable shelter will match you up with ferrets with health or behavioral problems you can't deal with the catch is you need to deal with a ferret specific shelter. |
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Post by Deleted on Apr 13, 2012 0:05:27 GMT -5
I will start research immediately. Unless you guys happen to have a ferret shelter directory...
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Post by Deleted on Apr 13, 2012 0:05:45 GMT -5
At the moment I am looking at getting a Ferret Nation Model 182 Double Unit, for two ferrets. Does anyone have any experience with that model? I only saw one review that wasn't glowing but I figure the more info I have the better. The 182 is essentially the same as the 142. It is a no assembly required model. Not *as sturdy* but it is still the best cage available. I know that the floors of that one are metal, so to soften it up I was going to line the floors and platforms with some kind of fabric, either felt or denim, and secure the fabric on the outside. Does that sound like a plan, or would ferrets be likely to tear it up and swallow threads? I'm not sure what you mean about the floors being metal  The floors have a plastic pan. I use cheap blankets from goodwill, towels, old clothes as bedding. Makes it to throw into the laundry. Bedding sets are wonderful, though For litter, I have heard good things about Yesterday's News and Back 2 Nature, which one (or other litter) have you guys had the best experiences with? I use Worlds best cat litter. It's a clumping corn based cat litter. It is so nice and convenient. But it does track around the cage. For vet trips, should I get each ferret a carrier or would they be okay snuggling up in one? (Also are cat carriers okay?) A cat carrier is fine. Would bird toys be okay for ferrets? (Any specific toys or toy brands you know about would be cool) Bird foraging toys (hard plastic ones) are great enrichment. You can hide bits of food and encourage them to do the puzzle and get the food. Sorry, I kind of branched off from talking about cages. I just have so many questions! I picked up an owners manual from a pet store today and I'm planning on getting Ferrets for Dummies as well.  Ask away! We are all happy to answer the questions! |
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Post by Deleted on Apr 13, 2012 0:32:10 GMT -5
I found a ferret shelter which is about two hours away from me. I will definitely check back in there when I get closer to actually getting the ferrets!
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Post by Deleted on Apr 13, 2012 0:38:21 GMT -5
Michigan Fuzzy Friends Ferret Rescue Directors: Mike & Vickie Lusk Conklin, MI 49403 (616) 970-6518 E-Mail: vickielusk@gmail.com Michigan Ferret Rescue, Inc. Director: Lori Blaisdell Flint, MI 48532 (810) 240-7499 E-Mail: miferretrescue@sbcglobal.net Website: www.miferretrescue.orgWe are on Pet Finder West Michigan Ferret Connection Director: Dee Gage Grand Rapids, MI 49505 (616) 447-2978 E-Mail: ddmgage@sbcglobal.net We are on Pet Finder Motor City Ferrets Directors: Nanci Frazier & Alex Oeming Hazel Park, MI (248) 219-9023 E-Mail: motorcityferrets@hotmail.com Website: www.motorcityferrets.orgA 501(c)3 Non-Profit Organization We are on Pet Finder and State Licensed Debs Ferret Rescue & Boarding Director: Mark & Debbie Fitzgerald New Era, MI (231) 861-2706 (starting 11/12/2008) E-Mail: debsferretrescue@aol.com Safe Haven Ferret Rescue Director: Danielle Livingston Owosso, MI (989) 721-0864 E-Mail: nppbr2010@gmail.com Westland Veterinary Hospital Director: Dr. Sharon Lawrenchuk Westland, MI (734) 261-5900 www.mfran.org/westmichiganferretconnection.com/ |
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Post by Deleted on Apr 13, 2012 1:00:45 GMT -5
I sent an email to Motor City Ferrets, hopefully it is coherent what with it being 2am here.  |
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