|
|
Post by nephthyr on Mar 7, 2011 22:28:07 GMT -5
So, it's near the end of winter now, maybe a month or two left to go, and I was wondering if it'd be ok to leash up my ferries and talk them out for a brief 5 - 10 minute walk, maybe more if the temperature allows it, but I'm not sure if it's too cold to be outside at all or not.
Right now it's generally between 35F - 40F during the day. Are they able to go outside in this weather without having problems or should I just wait until spring? What's the max amount of time they can run around at this temperature before having to go inside, if they can?
Thanks~
|
|
|
|
Post by joclyn on Mar 7, 2011 23:04:03 GMT -5
as long as it's not windy and you don't stay outside for more than 10 minutes there shouldn't be any problem for completely healthy ferrets. snow on the ground is okay, also - just no windy conditions.
most will let you know when they've had enough and want to go back inside.
anyone who has any kind of active infection shouldn't be brought outside until that's cleared up - regardless of temp.
|
|
|
|
Post by Heather on Mar 7, 2011 23:21:26 GMT -5
My guys are out on warmer days. I just watch for signs that they want to go in, or up for some snuggle time in my coat if they're on leash. When they're playing outside in the play area, they have free access to come and go as they wish. They sometimes play outside longer than I would have thought they would but they never seem to suffer any ill from their outdoor playing. The biggest thing that I find is if they're outside with you and you're controlling the length of time that they're outside than pay very close attention to their language (body)
ciao
|
|
|
|
Post by nephthyr on Mar 8, 2011 0:12:05 GMT -5
All of mine are healthy and happy so it should be fine~ I just love to bring them outside to play :> Our yard is also pesticide free, so I wouldn't have to worry about that kind of thing.
|
|
|
|
Post by taratee on Mar 8, 2011 0:22:56 GMT -5
ferrets tend to tell you if its too cold for them or when theyre done, when i take my guys out and they dont wanna be out they climb me adn then i know its time to go back in lol
|
|
|
|
Post by joclyn on Mar 8, 2011 0:59:10 GMT -5
yup, they let you know - either by climbing up you or heading for the door 
|
|
|
|
Post by nephthyr on Mar 8, 2011 3:03:05 GMT -5
Ahh c: Man, I should have joined a forum when I first got mine a few years back. I'm sure I'll be learning a lot more now that I'm on one~ I don't think mine know which direction the door is, so I guess I'll be expecting them to climb on me |
|
|
|
Post by Sherry on Mar 8, 2011 9:38:32 GMT -5
You'd be surprised how fast they can find the door if they want to ;D Especially if they are allowed to explore around it while outside.
|
|
|
|
Post by Heather on Mar 8, 2011 15:41:10 GMT -5
Napoleon could always find the door. It was hilarious. I know they say that ferrets can't find their home but Napoleon could be on the far side of the property and when he had enough he would just boogie to the front door (he would even climb the open faced steps  ) All you had to do was follow that fat butt as it just booted for the door. ciao |
|
|
|
Post by Sherry on Mar 8, 2011 16:22:20 GMT -5
Mine don't get out as often as I would like, but they still know where the door is  |
|
|
|
Post by nephthyr on Mar 8, 2011 17:47:53 GMT -5
Aww  That's so cute~ My two boys have fat rumps too~ Especially Sid, he's like a monster. Big boy. Mine won't be roaming by the door, I'd like them to get into the dirt and grass, and by the front door, it's just a small concrete porch with a sidewalk from it, and for the back door, it's a large woodboard porch(I swear there's a term for a backyard 'porch' but I've done forgot...), and it's not too sturdy. Just the other day I was walking on it while watching my pitty run around and one of the boards fell through as I stepped on it. Really thankfully it didn't fall -too- far. That could have been really bad :c |
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 9, 2011 13:00:59 GMT -5
Ahh c: Man, I should have joined a forum when I first got mine a few years back. I'm sure I'll be learning a lot more now that I'm on one~ I don't think mine know which direction the door is, so I guess I'll be expecting them to climb on me We rarely took our ferrets outside (until I came on here) because I had no idea it was okay! lol... Anyways, so Boot had only been maybe 5 or 6 times. By the 2nd time he knew where the door was, no matter if we were two blocks away or on the other side of the building. They are so aware of everything it didn't surprise me too much! Lincoln will just fall down and stay there lol So obviously it's him going "Mom, bed time!" |
|
|
|
Post by nephthyr on Mar 9, 2011 22:46:09 GMT -5
Aww That's cuuute~ I've started putting mine in the backyard because I'm a little weary of the front yard. I mean, sometimes we have stray dogs running around, there's, of course, the street in front of our house. I'm also weary that any pesticides the neighbors could potentially use could waft over to our yard, so I just figured the back yard is better. Alot more open space and dirt to dig around in. I often find my ferrets digging around in the kitty litter box after I've cleaned it, which I imagine isn't too healthy, so dirt's probably more suitable at least. I would have let them outside today, but I slept in 'til really late and it's been raining most of today anyways. :c |
|
|
|
Post by taratee on Mar 9, 2011 22:49:43 GMT -5
i think my ferrets would love rain
rollin around in mud
|
|
) All you had to do was follow that fat butt as it just booted for the door.