Ferret Friendly Facts and also Advice by Erika Matulich
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WHAT TO LOOK FOR (and stay clear of) IN A FERRET CAGE Look for: Wire mesh cages of galvanized (good) or layered (better) cord Heavy-duty locks to avoid escapes Doors huge sufficient to get rid of litterpans, ramps, as well as racks A strong tray cage flooring that is simple to tidy Solid racks that are easy to clean Nice to have bonus: capacity to quickly collapse cage for transportation or storage space ability to attach to other cages or an expandability alternative athletic obstacles such as ramps, ladders, shelves, etc. Stay clear of: Wood– most woods take in microorganisms and present health and wellness and smell issues Sharp sides or burrs on any type of cable Wire floor surface areas and also cable shelving that can catch create and ferret parts injury (or you can urge the sale of cage flooring mats, rack covers, etc.) Uncoated/nongalvanized wire that quickly rusts Mesh size larger than 1×2 inches– larger sizes will certainly either trap ferrets or permit them to escape Flexible-wire door panels with a facility latch– ferrets press at the corners and also can get away Ferret Cages Then … And Now When ferrets first struck the popular animal market in the 1980s, no one understood that much concerning their one-of-a-kind demands, specifically when it came to real estate. We put them in aquariums (not nearly enough air flow), rodent cages (too small), dog pet crates as well as parrot cages (cable spacing allowed leaves). Today there is a broad variety of ferret-specific cages produced with the ferret’s way of living (as well as the ease of the owner) in mind. These cages are normally multi-story as well as equipped with ramps, platforms, multiple doors as well as other functions developed for enjoyable, ease and also safety and security. Jason Casto, the Marketing Manager for Pets International, Ltd. in Illinois, explained that “Retailers should always advise a species-specific cage. cage manufacturers examine the needs as well as habits of the ferret so they can create a risk-free and also enjoyable cage specifically for the ferret.” Mr. Casto additionally noted that cages created various other animals “do not psychologically test the and also might have safety issues.” Prevent Free Ferrets Madeleine Martin, owner of the Pets Choice Retail Outlet in Merrimack, New Hampshire, claims, “The most crucial point to thrill upon a prospective proprietor is that ferrets do without a doubt require cages!” Some people imagine their brand-new buddy being a free-range residence animal like a dog or feline. Ferrets are curious and very intelligent animals that can obtain into a great deal of trouble if left to their very own devices. When the proprietor can not be there to supervise play, a cage supplies a safe and secure setting for the. A cage can likewise be valuable for a ferret to get over and rest health problem. A little cage can likewise be used for transport (although a carrier would certainly be much better). Going Up, Up, Up! The 2nd essential point is size. Larger is better, and also the fad is to rise with multi-story cages. Ferrets call for lots of room in a cage, for both exercise as well as all their home furnishings. The longer period a requirements to remain in a cage, the bigger it needs to be. The outright minimum size for a single that is caged just for a few hrs at a stretch, or only overnight, is regarding 2 cubic feet (12″x24″ bottom, 12″ high). This dimension is often much better made use of as a health center, seclusion, or traveling cage. Your customer might intend to save cash by beginning with a smaller sized, “starter” cage for their initial. Donna Wood, Retail Specialist for Prevue Pet Products in Chicago says for merchants to “Remind your consumer that ferrets are enjoyable, social animals, as well as a lot of proprietors do not stop at one !” Plan ahead, or else the customer will certainly wind up with numerous cages before reaching suitable capacity, as well as will certainly have invested even more money than originally intended. Alicia Drakiotes is the founding director of Ferret Wise Shelter in New Hampshire. She loves to get contributions of the “grown out of” cages for the sanctuary, yet says, “If you can encourage your customer to acquire a larger cage to begin with, you will certainly have a much more pleased owner!” An additional alternative is to advise cages that are expanding. Some cages have detachable cord panels so one more story can be connected to the top. Among the easiest expansion options is with the Super Pet line of ferret cages, which feature Ferretrail or Bubble Wave Fun-nel tubing systems. These plastic passages can be utilized to connect to an additional cage, hence enabling very easy development as the ferret family grows. Caging Considerations Skip Martin of Martin’s Cages in Columbia, Pennsylvania emphasizes that “wire cages must be harmless, have no burs or sharp sides, provide excellent air flow, and also be very secure since ferrets are great escapee!” He additionally tells ferret owners to “try to find cages that can fall down for storage space, have a carrying deal with, as well as a good-sized bottom pan.” All cages must consist of some kind of lower tray that is easy to clean. Much deeper pans imply much less mess for the owner to cleanse out. Take care! Some ferrets find out exactly how to push out a slide-out drawer and getaway. Preferably, the floor of the cage ought to not be wire mesh, due to the fact that this can trigger foot injuries as well as defects for ferrets. If there is a cable bottom (or cable platforms higher in the cage), let your client recognize that cord ground locations need to be covered. Fleece kennel floor coverings made for canine cages work incredibly as floor covering, or the ferret owner can use linoleum, ceramic tile, or cleanable bathroom floor coverings. Numerous manufacturers provide washable platform covers. Make certain any racks or platforms are wide sufficient to allow area for a sleepsack or litterbox. Frequently, the cord ramps that include cages are extremely steep and also ferrets have mishaps by catching body components on the cable as they topple down. Make ramps less steep, or platform covers can be utilized to cover the ramp cables. Whether a cage has ramps or not, cages should be geared up with enough hammocks to damage a fall. Mark Fetter of Marshall Pet Products of NY claims “Every cage needs to have lots of big gain access to doors so you can get to every degree as well as conveniently take a litterpan (or ferret) in and also out.” What Wire? There are several types of cage cable: galvanized, enameled, powder-coated (a baked-on coating), stainless-steel, and also polycoated vinyl (PVC) cord. PVC is the most convenient to tidy, but if the ferrets munch on the cable, lower-quality PVC could come off and also be ingested accidentally. Galvanized cable is the least costly, however is harder to keep tidy and also rust cost-free. Inform your clients that galvanized cable cages have to be completely rubbed as well as dried before real estate a ferret to get rid of the potentially harmful zinc bits. Stainless-steel is commonly one of the most expensive, but the least subject to tear as well as wear. Enameled or powder-coated wire is somewhere between on cost and maintenance issues. For any kind of kind of cord, make certain there are no sharp edges or revealed ends that can reduce you or your ferret (accessibility door areas require unique focus). Interior Decoration “Big residences suggest big sales!” according to James Wingate, President of Midwest Homes for Pets. Each will need a litterbox, trash, waterbottle, drip catcher for the canteen, food recipes or feeders, hammocks, as well as sleep sacks. Ferrets do not need trash, so don’t neglect the flooring pad! Motivate the sale of lots of hammocks– a general rule is 1.5 hammocks per ferret, assembled to the next greatest number. Strategically placed hammocks contribute to safety– if a ferret drops, he will not go much and also will certainly just arrive at a soft hammock. Put sleep sacks under floor or on platforms. Added litterpans can take place the systems too. For numerous ferrets, multiple canteen as well as food recipes are useful. Bundled cage sets or starter sets are very easy to offer to your customers, and also offer them a head begin on all these devices. Ferrets additionally have a good time with tubes as well as passages (either fabric or plastic) that can be hung in the cage. In basic, suggest cage devices that are risk-free, long lasting, and very easy to clean. Jim Nannen, proprietor of Animal House Pet Centers in St. Petersburg, Florida, mentions that “A fully-equipped screen cage is a terrific selling tool!” Last Cage Comments Ferrets are active, intelligent escapee that need to be caged when without supervision for their own safety and security. While captive, they require a lot of area for workout, fun activity as well as family home furnishings. From their point of view, dimension does matter, and also larger sizes will certainly cause far better sales for your store. Jason Casto of Pets International, maker of Super Pet cages amounts it up the very best: “If a ferret proprietor is pleased with their experience with the cage, they are most likely to increase ownership by purchasing even more ferrets, more devices, and also a lot more materials. If an owner has an unhappy ferret or a negative experience with the wrong cage that breaks or allows a to get harmed or getaway, you will certainly lose their company. By suggesting the right cage, the retailer will stay in organisation much longer by having pleased customers.” RESOURCE LISTING OF SOME POPULAR FERRET CAGES Marshall Pet Products: (811) 292-3424; fax: (315) 594-1956; email:; site: www.marshallpet.com Martin’s Cages: (888) 451-2234; fax (717) 684-2234; web site: www.martinscages.com Midwest Homes for Pets: (800) 428-8560; fax (765) 289-6524; email:, website: www.midewesthomes4pets.com Penn-Plax: (800) 645-6055; fax: (954) 584-9944, 720 Stewart Ave. Garden City NY 11530 Prevue Pet Products: (800) 243-3624; fax (312) 243-4224, e-mail: or Sales@PrevuePet.com Quality Cage Company: (888) 762-2336; fax (503) 762-2296, web site: www.qualitycage.com Safeguard Products: (800) 433-1819; email:, site: www.safeguardproducts.com Scott Pet Products: (800) 989-4178; fax: (765) 569-4636, website: www.scottpet.com Super Pet, Pets International Ltd.: (847) 956-1130; fax: (847) 956-8513; email:; website: www.superpetusa.com (fall 2001)