Ferrets are the remarkable, card-carrying comedians of the animal kingdom. Naturally playful, curious, and affectionate the small, adorable creatures are popular domestic pets. The charming, sweet, highly intelligent ferret also possesses a near criminal ability to get into trouble – fast! Any ferret lover will confirm, “A dog or cat may steal your heart, a ferret will steal everything else!”
The adoption of any animal deserves careful consideration and preparation. Our Ferret Care Guide covers how to provide the domestic ferret with a healthy life. The decision to add a ferret to the family should include an evaluation of:
- Cost – The purchase price of a ferret may range from $50 to $500. In addition to the purchase, plan to budget the ongoing cost of food, health care, vaccinations, license, grooming, litter, beds, toys, and other ferret specific supplies.
- Time – Ferrets require interaction with humans to properly bond and for socialization, physical, and mental well-being. Four hours of daily exercise, two of which involves human handling should be anticipated for a healthy ferret.
- Training – Ferrets are natural hunters, and they communicate by “nipping.” They must be taught appropriate household behavior, and trained to use a litter box.
- Environment – Some local jurisdictions prohibit ownership of domestic ferrets, others require confinement or enforce leash laws. Check local restrictions before adopting a ferret. Additionally, any “ferret-safe” home should include precautions to prevent harm to personal possessions, or to the pets.
Ferret Cage Advice
The homework is complete, and your heart’s desire is to adopt an impossibly cute, cuddly, precocious pet ferret. You have completed the checklist of essential supplies for your new fuzzy wuzzy’s health and happiness. Hopefully, an appropriate, safe ferret cage is at the top of the “must have” equipment.
It is not appropriate nor is it recommended to keep a ferret caged. Constantly caging a ferret will result in a bored, depressed, sick animal that may become aggressive and destructive. Still, an appropriate ferret cage can be an owner’s (and the ferret’s) best friend.
It is a fact, ferrets are quiet, and they sleep 18 to 20 hours a day. Inexperienced owners may be lulled into the idea their precious pet is a completely harmless, docile, even lazy companion. Not true! Ferrets experience periods of extreme activity each day. In a matter of minutes, these little darlings can create a world of mayhem-causing harm to property and to themselves.
There is truly no such thing as a “ferret-proof” home. These determined little creatures will stop at nothing to get to objects of interest. Ferrets will relentlessly dig into carpets and scratch at doors. They will happily tunnel into mattresses and sofas, scale drapes, and climb straight up sheer walls to reach a shiny bauble. Ferrets will chew through electric cords, shred a garbage-filled can, and clear a cabinet in seconds. “Ferret proofing” a room in an ongoing process, and it should be inspected every time your pet is ready to play.
Besides the destruction, a ferret can get into trouble resulting in its injury or sadly, death. They can squeeze into a ½-inch hole and climb to the rafters of a room. Their extremely inquisitive nature provokes exploration. They can get caught underneath, behind, in-between, or wedged above the most improbable spaces. A free-roaming ferret may choose to make a potty anywhere in the house leaving unpleasant surprises! They are expert escape artists and if they get out of the house – they’re gone! A good quality, safe ferret cage is the only way to secure your pet and your home.
Ferret cages are available in various sizes, styles, costs, and features. The cage should not only serve to confine your pet it should also provide a safe haven. Any ferret cage should be an appropriate size to provide for a hideaway, litter box, water and food bowls, and of course – lots of toys!
In the case of ferret cages – size matters. Determine the number of animals the cage will house. A single ferret cage should be at least 2-feet by 3-feet long. NEVER secure a ferret in glass enclosure such as an aquarium, they require constant air-flow. A metal cage is best for ferrets, make sure the bars are closely spaced to prevent escape.
Five Best Cages
We found five of finest ferret cages according to value, durability, ease of assembly, and consumer satisfaction (5-star=excellent to 1-star=poor).
Midwest Homes for Pets Nation
Midwest Homes for Pets Ferret Nation Cage was inspired by, “closely watching how ferrets play, eat, sleep, and interact.”
The double unit habitat features 2 leak-proof pans, 2 removable shelves, and 3 ramps. Durable metal construction is mounted on four, locking-wheel casters. Double doors provide for easy access. Measuring 36”L x 25”W x 62.5”H for maximum play areas and requires no tools for assembly.
The Midwest Homes for Pets Ferret Nation Cage has a 4.5-star rating from 458 reviews.
Midwest Homes for Pets Nation
Pros
- Covered ramps
- removable shelves for easy cleaning
- Sections may be closed off to house multiple ferrets
Cons
- On the more expensive side
- Reports of the cage being difficult to assemble
- Smaller ferrets are able to squeeze through bars
Kaytee Deluxe Multi-Level Habitat
The colorful Kaytee Deluxe Multi-Level Habitat ferret cage promises, “the perfect place for frisky ferrets to frolic!” Constructed from “chew-proof” metal wire and stain-resistant plastic parts this habitat features a 3 safety ramps, 1 spiral slide, 1 hammock, 4 removable shelves, and a “Ferre Trail Fun-nel.” Measuring 24”L x 24”W x 41.5”H the enclosure is a creative, safe environment for rest and play.
The deep, scatter-proof base is designed to pop in and out for cleaning. Removable casters allow for easy moving. Wire bars are spaced at 1” apart.
Customers have given this cage 3.7-stars rating from 560 reviews on Amazon.
Kaytee Deluxe Multi-Level Habitat
Pros
- Good value for the price
- Removable tray for easy cleaning
- Extra features like the spiral slide, hammock, and a fun tunnel
Cons
- “Not for the escape artist.” Reports cage bars are uneven widths
- Plastic parts break easily
Living World Deluxe Habitat X-Large
The Living World Deluxe Habitat X-large is the bestselling of the ferret cages reviewed. Perhaps the lower retail price is reason enough for trial, but customers also give this product great reviews. Living World cages are “designed to give your pet the perfect home.” Constructed from a combination of metal and plastic components the enclosures offer a well-ventilated, comfortable environment.
The horizontal cage measures 46.9”L x 22.8”W x 24”H. Two, double-hinged, arched doors open from the top and an additional door offers access from the front. Features include 2 plastic ramps, balcony, hideaway box, food and water dishes, and a hay guard. The durable metal construction is mounted on locking-wheel casters. Best of all the Living World Habitat requires no tools for assembly.
The Living World Deluxe Habitat X-Large has a 4.6-star rating from 3,102 Amazon customers.
Living World Deluxe Habitat X-Large
Pros
- Very easy to put together and to clean
- Covered ramps
- removable shelves
Cons
- Nice for other pets, NOT for ferrets
- Bars too wide apart for smaller ferrets
- Horizontal orientation does not provide space for climbing
Yaheetech 6-Level Large Ferret Cage
The Yaheetech 6-Level Large Ferret Cage is constructed of fully painted iron. The design features 5 shelves, 5 ramps, and 1 removable tray. A food bowl and water bottle is included with purchase. The enclosure measures 25.2”L x 16.9”W x 51.6”H and has 3 over-sized, arched doors for easy access.
With the wily escape master in mind, the bars of the Yaheetech cage are spaced at a tight 0.9” apart. Doors feature double latch locks. The cage is corrosion resistant for long wear.
Customers rate the Yaheetech cage with 4-stars out of 27 reviews on Amazon.
Yaheetech 6-Level Large Ferret Cage
Pros
- Great product, great price
- Spacious
- easy to assemble
- Large play area
Cons
- Poor quality materials
- Plastic ramps can break and fall
Prevue Hendryx 485 Pet Products Feisty Ferret Cage
A roomy enclosure, the Prevue Hendryx Black Feisty Ferret Cage provides exercise space for the most energetic ferret. The handsome wrought-iron metal enclosure features 2 plastic platforms, 3 plastic ramps, and includes a hammock and grill. An exterior shelf on the bottom provides for convenient storage of supplies. The cage assembly on stand measures 31”L x 20”w x 54”H.
Prevue Hendryx Black Feisty Ferret Cage features four levels of play. A mid-level floor separated the enclosure and may be closed to create two compartments. Wire bars are spaced at 7/8” apart. Large hinged doors discourage escape, wheeled casters allow for easy moving.
Customers on Amazon rate this product with 3.9 stars from 1,787 reviews.
Prevue Hendryx 485 Pet Products Feisty Ferret Cage
Pros
- Great size
- durable
- removable ramps and shelves
- Secure doors
- sections may be closed off
Cons
- Difficult to assemble
- Purchase does not include food or water bowl
STACKING UP THE COMPETITION
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HAPPILY EVER-AFTER
With proper care a healthy pet ferret can live 12 years or more. Among the most common causes of death are injury, and complications from ingesting foreign objects. Use of a proper cage is one of the best ways to keep your fuzzy wuzzy safe, secure, and healthy for life.
