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MidWest Homes for Pets 182 Ferret Nation Double Story Unit, 1-Year Manufacturer Warranty?
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MidWest Homes for Pets Deluxe Ferret Nation Small Animal Cages, Ferret Nation Cages Include 1-Year Manufacturing Warranty https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0054U8UGW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_FDFV9CT0CHC2EVXED2MH?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
it’s the ferret nation double unit! i’d shop around, most pet supply sites carry it and you can usually find it on sale. i think I paid $170 for mine! it is a great cage though
So exciting! Ferrets are the best pets. They will definitely outgrow that cage (I had a similar one for my two when they were younger, they outgrow it fast!). They now have this one (MidWest Homes for Pets 182 Ferret Nation Double Story Unit, 1-Year Manufacturer Warranty https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0054U8UGW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_G44DDVSBQCDFAB9QYEH3?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1) and it’s perfect for them. Very easy to clean. I put two water bottles on the bottom with their food, with nothing on the ground (the litter makes them sneeze a lot, so I would avoid that if possible), the blankets on the next level, some beds for them to hang in, and then a corner litter box on the next level (with only a pee pad in it, I have found they only play in the pellets). I recommend getting a bunch of cheap blankets from Walmart that you can keep in their cage. Also, the ferret tubes and the cat toy wands (without catnip) are some great toys for them. As a lot of people have said, they love corners, so pee pads will be your best friend while training them. They will find their “favorite” corners so over time you will know where to put them. Congratulations and enjoy them, they are truly wonderful pets.
I have the ferret nation with the critter nation add on in the middle but regretted it since the bars are so flimsy and break easily
This is the most appropriate cage I've seen.
Zip tie the shelves and doors to the frame. They can both fall and cause injury or death.
Most cage available are not species appropriate. This one is made for ferrets.
MidWest Homes for Pets 182 Ferret Nation Double Story Unit, 1-Year Manufacturer Warranty https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0054U8UGW/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_NBKY0XRJBQWZH916YMEY
Honestly, long term you're better off just buying the Midwest Ferret Nation cage. It has better customer service and you can buy replacement parts easily on amazon or direct from their customer service. Yeah, it would put off you getting a third level. But then you don't have to deal with a wonky floor. The doors are easier to deal with and it's bigger. 25"wideX35"longX63"high. So for now you're still getting a bigger cage. Plus the way the Ferret nation cage is setup, when you do an add on later, you can even just put them side by side instead of tall!!! https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0054U8UGW/ref=ppx\_yo\_dt\_b\_search\_asin\_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
MidWest Homes for Pets 182 Ferret Nation Double Story Unit, 1-Year Manufacturer Warranty https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0054U8UGW/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_BFPAY9YSEDKPXHSX9A88?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 This is the only one my escape artist hasn't beaten yet!
I'd keep about 1k in savings per ferret. Regular scheduled vet bills are around 80-200 per ferret. Depends on what vaccines or meds they need.
You'll want to drop about 600-800 buying the setup stuff. Get the Ferret nation cage. Buy some liners, get big litter pans. I would look at the tips in the sub or better yet join our r/ferrets discord server! There are a ton of tips that have been posted by Dr. Poopspert and other mods. Getting started, foods, vet bills, training, even a poo chart to see if your ferret needs a vet visit! Dr. Poopspert really went all out and made it easier for people to navigate! <3
Your chinchillas super cute! Just to let you know that cage is WAY to small and plastic is really bad for chinchillas, this is the size of cage that you need and you should look into getting some wooden or metal houses :)
MidWest Homes for Pets Deluxe Ferret Nation Small Animal Cages, Ferret Nation Cages Include 1-Year Manufacturing Warranty https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0054U8UGW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_utHHFb046S2SK
This is one I just got for my chinchillas, and I’ve seen it recommended and highly rated
The best of the best (in the US) is the Midwest Deluxe Ferret Nation. It's roomy and sturdy. The floor can be tiled (we tiled ours). Plenty of space for toys and hides, and exercise when you can't give them out of the cage playtime.
We started with a Prevue Hendryx Feisty Ferret and it had broken within four months. It was a waste of money.
Well first, I would get rid of that type of hammock. If it’s the type of fabric that’s enticing him, just get rid of it. Etsy has some great hammocks. How much time is he getting out of the cage? This could be cage rage, which usually means they want more free roam time. 6-8 hours a day is the least amount I would recommend, but keep in mind that that’s still 18 hours in their cage. Also how big is his cage? If it’s too small, he could be getting bored with it. I’d recommend getting a Double Ferret Nation. Not only is it the best ferret cage on the market, it’s also the safest.
Yeah my savings are dwindling haha... It helps though that I thought I needed 900 USD when I was first looking at the Ferret Nation like a year ago on Japanese Amazon. Now I kind of feel like I got a deal! Kind of.
Sure!!! MidWest Deluxe Ferret Nation Double Unit Ferret Cage (Model 182) Includes 2 leak-Proof Pans, 2 Shelves, 3 Ramps w/Ramp Covers & 4 locking Wheel Casters, Measures 36"L x 25"W x 62.5"H Inches https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0054U8UGW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_3RYfCb75FJWVZ
Never worry! We are all here to help and be helped haha.
https://www.amazon.com/MidWest-182-leak-Proof-Shelves-Measures/dp/B0054U8UGW
Here is a link to probably the best ferret cage currently on the market. My little ones LOVE it and its easy assemble and clean. Throw in some cheap walmart blankets that cost 2 to 3 bucks, and maybe some toys or pillows and you may have a hard time getting then to come out haha!
Good questions!
Gender doesn't matter if they're all fixed, they all get along just fine, they all have really individual personalities. I found the same is true with age, I'm guessing unless one ferret is really old and doesn't want to deal with a hyper baby. But if yours is less than a year, any age should be fine. I had a lazy only-weasel until he was 1yr then got him a hyper little kit.. he was annoyed at first, but now they love each other and play all the time.
If you're getting a new cage, I recommend the ferret nation double-decker. You can section off the top and bottom for a while to keep them seperate in the beginning when they're not being supervised, and when you're sure they get along they'll both have a nice big cage.
When you say your ferret attacks the cat, do you mean playfully? lol
Ferrets are not generally territorial, but I think with most animals it's better to introduce them in a neutral territory so they're not defensive off the bat, so putting them both in a new cage would be a good plan regardless I think.
I think the only difference with getting another 1 vs 2 is the litter box training.. harder to keep track of two new fluffs running around!
Good luck!
We use the 2 story Ferret Nation cages from MidWest
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0054U8UGW/ref=psdc_2975537011_t2_B000QFMYWQ
We made some felt "pillow cases" that pull over the pans, to make it a bit more comfy for them and it makes cleaning fairly easy as well.
They moved into this from a set of KayTee cages they came with, and they seem to like it. I'd definitely recommend getting the exit ramp for it as well. Watching a ferret belly slide down it to the floor cracks me up every time.
Hello!
- I'm also allergic to cats, and Ferrets only set off my allergies a little bit (I think it's mostly because they tend to like dusty places, like under furniture, and I'm also allergic to dust) but not enough that I can't have them.
- Yep! Ferrets are pretty good at adapting to your schedule--I work nights, so mine come out in the afternoon before work at at 2am when I get home and are content.
- Large cages are good! I have a Ferret Nation two story cage (https://www.amazon.com/Midwest-Homes-Pets-Ferret-Nation/dp/B0054U8UGW/ref=sr_1_1?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1469055507&sr=1-1&keywords=ferret+nation) and I love it--easy to clean, plenty of space, and you can make covers for the shelves (or buy them from ferret people!)
Other advice: -See if there's a ferret shelter near you and go visit! It's a great way to learn more and make sure ferrets are right for you.
-Ferrets should see the vet once a year and be vaccinated, so see if there are good ferret vets in your area. Vet bills can also add up (where I live, it's about $70 for the appointment and $25 for vaccination), especially since they may need emergency appointments or suprelorin implants later in life--it tends to add up.
-Ferrets are not like cats and dogs--their temperament and care is a lot different, so definitely make sure you enjoy their quirks before taking one home.
-Ferrets are poop machines, and they get into everything. They're great animals, but they also tend to be (lovable) troublemakers :)
Good luck!
This information could vary depending on where you live, as for the United States. Make sure you’re familiar with your local laws on ferrets and your landlords policy before you commit to anything.You’ll most likely come across Marshall ferrets if you’re getting from a pet store. You want to look for the double dot tattoo on their ear that indicates they’ve been descented and spayed/neutered. You should always have at least two ferrets because they’re social animals and get depressed alone. They’re very social and need someone to keep them company whenever you can’t. You really can’t take the place of a second ferret playmate because you cannot play like a ferret and there will be times when they are without you and you can’t cuddle up in their hammock with them lol I find females are easier to train but boys can be very sweet too. They do bite and that needs to be trained out of them. It’s a good idea to research some training techniques before hand so you’re prepared and can be consistent from the start. They relieve themselves in corners so that can be used to your advantage when potty training them. Some people use litter boxes with pellets (never kitty litter), personally I use weewee pads and secure them in place with tape. If they’re not secure they will run away with them and tear them up lol. They do poop a lot and you have to keep up with cleaning it up. They’re super smart and energetic so they need enrichment. Tunnels, ball pits, and toys are a must. They also need lots of out of the cage time (minimum of 4 hours a day but the more the better) if you can dedicate a ferret proof section of your house that is ideal, my ferrets have their own bedroom so they are never confined to a cage. If they are roaming in a non ferret proof room they need to be closely monitored because they can be seriously injured if they chew on a wire, get stepped on, knock over something glass, or get into food that would be toxic for a ferret etc. As far as cages go I recommend a ferret nation cage, the double doors makes cleaning it easier and it’s an appropriate size for a ferret. Wysong digestive support is a good food for them. Grizzly’s salmon oil too. Be careful when picking a food because they cannot have vegetables, grains, or soy and many leading pet food brands do have them. They are strictly carnivores and should never eat dairy, sugar, fruits, vegetables, or grains/breads. They need their ears cleaned once a week and their hammocks and beds need to be washed. The majority of their musky smell comes from their ears so keeping up with that will keep the smell under control. They don’t need baths very often, frequent baths could dry out their skin. Their nails also need to be clipped and this is better off done as a two person job so one person can scruff ( held up by the skin on the back of their neck like a cat would hold a kitten in her mouth) and the other person can clip the nails. Make sure you don’t clip too fair back or you could make them bleed. You can usually see the vein in their nail and avoid it but it is something you need to be careful about and don’t want to do if they’re squirming. Another tactic is to try it right after they’ve fallen asleep so they’re docile enough to let you do it. or you can rub some salmon oil on their tummy so that they’ll be distracted licking it off. Don’t use ferretvite/ferretone/vitamin pastes marketed towards ferrets it contains harmful ingredients (sugar) for ferrets. Keep styptic powder on hand in case of an accident. Their teeth also need to be cleaned. Constant access to fresh water in a bowl (not a bottle) is a must. Don’t leave the lights on for them, the dark is good for their melatonin regulation which helps prevent adrenal disease. I would also recommend keeping an empty emergency kennel above their cage in case of a fire or any other event that would need you to evacuate quickly. It’s also important to have a vet on hand. If you get a Marshall’s ferret they’re usually all taken care of medically before you adopt them but you still need to keep up with routine vaccinations and they are sensitive creatures and are prone so certain problems like insulinoma and adrenal disease, they are also very accident prone and you don’t want to wait until something is wrong to look for a vet. Most conventional cat/dog vets won’t see ferrets because they are considered exotic. You should also familiarize yourself with blockage protocol. They live up to 8 years and take a lot of time, energy, love, patience, and commitment. They are a long term commitment so make sure you’re up for it and your schedule allows for it before you adopt. Good luck :)
MidWest Deluxe Ferret Nation Double Unit Ferret Cage (Model 182) Includes 2 leak-Proof Pans, 2 Shelves, 3 Ramps w/Ramp Covers & 4 locking Wheel Casters, Measures 36" L x 25" W x 62.5" H Inches https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0054U8UGW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ENuCDb2RWR1V5
Wysong Ferret Epigen 90 Digestive Support - Dry Ferret Food, Four - 5 Pound Bags https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019W9VYPY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_cOuCDb9EA300W
Grizzly Omega Health for Dogs & Cats, Wild Salmon Oil/Pollock Oil Omega-3 Blend https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074N97RFP/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_wOuCDbJGSXZ2Y
https://holisticferretforum.com/care-and-enrichment/common-behavior-problems/ferret-bite-training/
https://holisticferretforum.com/care-and-enrichment/common-behavior-problems/litterbox-boot-camp/
https://holisticferretforum.com/health/blockages/blockage-protocol/
https://holisticferretforum.com/care-and-enrichment/cages-and-bedding/464-2/ferret-litters/
This is basically the run down I send to all first time ferret parents on here but to also answer your specific questions 11 hours is okay as long as they have at least 4 hours out of the cage (the more the better though). Raw diet is good but anticipate varying stools. If you want easy and consistency I would go with kibble. I have a ferret proof room where there are no accessible wires but if you can’t provide that duct tape and zip ties are a good idea. Here is a list with cost estimates https://www.reddit.com/r/ferrets/comments/ao29zy/the_cost_of_owning_ferrets_2019_edition/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf
Some tips for ferret owning if youre interested. Ferrets are obligate carnivores, do not buy any brand of food that says theyre for ferrets. Most of it is garbage that can kill your ferret. Get a high quality cat kibble here is a link to a chart that has a good list of options. Raw feeding is another good option, here is a forum that teaches about that. They should never have anything but meat or high quality oils, such as salmon oil for treats.
Ferrets need a ton of space to live well these are the best two cages. ferret nation and feisty ferret. The last one you will need to get something to put over the bars to protect their feet though.
Ferrets should not be bathed more than once a month, and only if they are visibly dirty. If you bathe them more than that their body produces more of the musk and they will smell like ass.
Ferrets should always be kept in pairs, especially if they have always been kept with another. They say the best toy for a ferret is another ferret for a reason. Ferrets also require a lot of out of cage play time, so a ferret proofed house or a play pen is required. They will attempt to eat anything and they will get intestinal blockages easily. This will kill them very quickly. There is a "protocol" for trying to get blockages out which includes feeding them raw canned pumpkin. However, the majority of the time they need surgery.
Please feel free to ask me anything about keeping ferrets!
Honestly I would see if you can return it and get a Ferret Nation cage. They are WAY better. The one you have now is hard even for full grown ferrets to use.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0054U8UGW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
This is the best cage for ferrets! <3
Excellent question! We'll start from large, to small. First, their enclosure. While they might love to just roam around where you live, it's a little hazardous for them, and they're not wild Norway rats (which are very tough and hardy). The optimal enclosure is a multi-level cage with ramps and such, often on wheels, with multiple doors and ways to close off 9ne section from the other for cleaning. New, this runs about $200-300.
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B0054U8UGW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_YE04F4HM86AN4G964DYH
That one is good, and Prevue brand ones are good as well. You'll see plenty of similar ones for 1/3 of the price. These are notably less well-made knockoffs, but the calculus us, you can get two or three of the cheapos for the price of a good one, and just replace them when they fail. It's kind of a tossup. Amazon reviews are no longer terribly trustworthy, I'm afraid. You can also haunt your local Craiglist or FB Marketplace, people are occasionally letting these go cheap ($100 or less). You can go smaller than the big rolling cages (2x3x5), if money or space is at a premium. I wouldn't go much smaller than about half the size of one of those. 2x3x2 or so. They need room to run around. Don't use a fish tank, the lack of ventilation will make them more susceptible to respiratory disease, which they already are.
Things inside the cage: don't use wood or paper bedding. Huge mess, and they actively love to just kick it out. Hard to clean, as well. Get a bunch of cheap fleece blankets, and every few days change them out and wipe down the plastic surfaces beneath. Lots of fleece for burrowing on different levels, they'll stuff them in passageways, etc. A plastic castle thing will be fine, it'll end up full of fleece. Ropes running across various parts of the cage, with treats, hanging chews, and shelves that can be accessed from those ropes. They will also climb the inside of the wire cage, once they can reach far enough. And they will climb up, over inverted, and back down the other side.
You're going to want to secure the doors really well, rats are persistent and smart. And if they can fit their skull through a hole, they can fit through the hole.
Chews are critical for health and happiness. Wood toys designed for that work well, the antler chews for dogs do too. No rawhides! Replace chews every week or two, or when they're getting really shredded. They'll stash them (along with food), and dig them out when they want a gnaw. Don't worry about disrupting their stashes when you clean, just collect them, throw away anything questionable, and put them back on the clean fleece, they'll busy themselves hiding them again. Changing the cage layout every few weeks is also good for their brains. Bored rats are unhappy rats.
Food: get rat food. They can eat most things, but they're not wild rats. They lost a decent amount of toughness when bred for domesticity. Our boys loved Oxbow brand, and our vet was happy with it. They love treats, and if you start youngish, they can learn to do tricks for special good treats. Yogies, yogurt treats, are especially favored. Some veggies are good, pasta, nuts. Do your research, there's always a few things that we eat they aren't good for them, same as dogs and cats.
DO NOT FEED THROUGH.THE CAGE BARS. They learn to associate 'thing being stuck through the bars' with 'delicious thing to eat'. Your fingertips will thank you. You can and should give treats (or food, sometimes) by hand, either in your palm or between fingertips. They have sharp claws and teeth, and when you flinch and yelp, they get scared.
Water: big animal feeding water bottle, with a 'silent tip'. Refill and refresh often. One is fine, but two can be nice.
Litterbox: plastic corner tray, with recycled paper litter. Change every few days at the least. Leave a little bit of poop in there, though. Helps to remind them. But they'll go other places, no real way around that. You're going to want to secure it to the bars with zipties each time.
The Rats Themselves.
If you can, get them from a nearby breeder, a rattery. Don't get them from someone who breeds then for feeders, they don't care about health or temperament. Pet stores are hit or miss at best, but at least you might save some from being sold as snake food. 😥 If your pet store has more than 3, get them all. They might make a deal, and the big enclosures can easily hold 5-6 rats in luxurious comfort. No Rat Left Behind. Again, they are shockingly social creatures. When we only had one, he stopped grooming himself and became listless. As soon as other rats arrived, he perked right up.
A good rattery/breeder will often ask to see pics of your enclosure before agreeing to sell, or even talk to you further, as they don't want to sell them for snake food. Get the same sex, or you will have rat babies (rats take seconds to mate, and are very likely to get pregnant from one encounter). Rat babies are cute, but you have to put pregnant mom in a separate enclosure with other females, as males will sometimes eat the babies. Nature is harsh.
That's all I can think of for now. Good luck on your Rat Quest, and let me know if you have any more questions!
Ferret nation is the best cage you will find. https://www.amazon.com/MidWest-182-leak-Proof-Shelves-Measures/dp/B0054U8UGW/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=ferret+cage&qid=1671622480&sr=8-3 I recommend getting a double unit but a single will work if you don’t have more then two. If it’s to big for you then the feisty ferret cage is almost as good. (But only half the doors open) You can’t use bedding efficiently in this cage so I would get fabric pan covers that are made for the cage. https://www.amazon.com/MidWest-Homes-Pets-Designer-Critter/dp/B07WVW7QVJ/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?crid=1W4FGJKA1MC51&keywords=ferret+nation+cage+liner&qid=1671622560&sprefix=ferret+nation+cage+%2Caps%2C1413&sr=8-5 If you use this cage you also need a litter pan https://www.petsmart.com/small-pet/litter-and-bedding/litter-pans/full-cheeks-small-pet-dry-paws-litter-pan-68223.html?cgid=600123&fmethod=Browse (it needs to be big or they won’t use it.) I hope this helped 😊❤️
omg, I love you for all these infos, and you absolutely do not sound harsh! The bounding pouch/scarf sounds so cute it's giving me the fuzzies... I ♡
Don't worry, I am never ever letting my cat near them, I do not trust them BECAUSE they are predators. I'm so happy you mentioned that thing about "human emotions" ; way too many people put irrational expectations on their pets because they can't understand animals do not share our ideals. I assure you I am not the kind to push human ideologies on my pets. I always said that an animal should not have to "adapt" to me, it's my job to do so. They are so fascinating and unique, they deserve our profound respect and understanding. To me, if we are to be the most intelligent creature, it is the least we can do.
Cage: any big cage will do, as long as it's not barred platforms. Got it. And when you say Critter Nation, would the ferret nation be good? https://www.amazon.ca/MidWest-182-leak-Proof-Shelves-Measures/dp/B0054U8UGW/ref=asc_df_B0054U8UGW/?tag=googleshopc0c-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=292953562927&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=2552791258459963525&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvq...
It's currently on sale and the dimensions are about 2cm less, there's just less horizontal bars I think? ( and it would fit in our budget...! )
Bedding : Would you please tell me which bedding you are using? I am always terrified when browsing these that'll end up buying one that would not really be dust free... :( For the info, I'm from Canada!
Gender: I think I will go for ladies... I live with my mother and I swear she has more "nose" than a police dog hahahaha I am naturally more drawn towards male pets, as I love their kind of relaxed personalities more, and usually get along with them better, but I want the experience to be enjoyable for everyone. I'm concerned about females being more prone to tumors and cancer than males...I'm really uncertain about what to do :(
Diet: I'm happy you said Oxbow, my local pet store has this brand ! For mazuri, I can always order on amazon, it's not a problem. Is one better than the other? For treats and other food, I'll browse the web and I'll be sure to find a detailed list as I like them : P
If... they are close to my kitchen is it safe for their little nostrils? It's the only spot where I could possibly have them..! X_x We are not the kind of family to use scented candles and even my detergent is hypoallergenic : the cat is excessively sensitive, and I'm sensitive to scented products and any chemicals, so they'll be safe on that matter loll
I cannot thank you enough for your your detailed answer. It actually Is my kind of answered, it made me laugh haha
I would recommend that you go online and buy a Midwest Ferret Nation. Hands down number one recommend cage by experienced ferret owners. You can just get the one level if you like.
It actually seems like the cage is cheaper right now. Usually it's over 400!
Double: MidWest Homes for Pets 182 Ferret Nation Double Story Unit, 1-Year Manufacturer Warranty https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0054U8UGW/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_F6ZB4DTXMQ9GP3BMSDQ6?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Single: MidWest Homes for Pets 181 Ferret Nation Single Unit, 1-Year Manufacturer Warranty https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000F4UNCG/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_GMPPS79QEMD2AA8FAZXS
With the current one I would tie some fabric or something in the middle. That big gap it has in between the platforms? Ferrets fall off that and injure themselves frequently in that cage.
Any fall more than one foot can be dangerous for the little fuzz noodles.
If your a first time owner or someone who wants to learn more about ferrets, I would join the official discord server of this sub! You can find the link in the automoderator comment.
Checkout the #Ferret_Resources on the discord. There is SO MUCH information available! ❤
This is the one I got 3 years ago but it was cheaper as I price matched another store when I purchased it in store:
MidWest Homes for Pets 182 Ferret Nation Double Story Unit, 1-Year Manufacturer Warranty https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0054U8UGW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_NN76F37FHZ3CNNXA2H9H
Price matched with (you can just get this one also):
But I’ve been recommending this cage to those with 1+ chins as it’s taller and you can make lots of cool jumps and coordinated hidey spots:
TOOCAPRO Extra Large 6-Tier Cat Cage 77 Inchs Height for 1-5 Cats with Hammock, CAT Bed & 5 Ramp Ladders 5 Platforms 3 Front Doors Tray Cat Kennels Playpen Crate Cats House Pet Enclosure https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09Q8ZN4ZM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_ZH72P3CZNP84RCD7ZQHG?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
AND I found all of the cool wooden platforms, hidey spots, etc, on Amazon. If you need a link I’ve got u!
Not annoying at all :) I love ferrets :)
https://www.amazon.com.au/Midwest-182-Leak-Proof-Shelves-Measures/dp/B0054U8UGW
This is the style of cage - almost identical to the one we got (but this one is $450 postage to Australia, so we went with a local maker haha)
Here is a link to the ferret nation! link
It's not really big enough for one ferret. Especially if they aren't mostly free roam. I would recommend the Ferret Nation. It's big enough for 1-5 ferrets and gives them enough room. Plus it's super easy to clean with the big doors!
I wouldn't. Looks like only ONE door opens and the bars of the floor are uncovered. The lack of two doors will make it harder to clean and the bare bars can cause foot sores!
I would recommend this double nation! You won't have to expand until you get to 4ish ferrets depending on their time out of cage. This is the hands down MOST recommended cage by experienced owners and breeders. Easy clean, sturdy, and last decades!
You can also buy any extra replacement parts or extras here! I buy an extra of the top and bottom pan, because it makes cleaning the cage easy! I pop the extras in, then I wash the dirty ones. They then become the extras for the next clean!
You could get this single nation. Though you may have to buy the add on later, which wouldn't be as cost effective as buying the double.
OR
You could get this single or this double. The difference with these two verses the previous two is that these are very slightly narrower. But the bars are closer together for smaller ferrets, but they are also horizontal, which makes it climbable by ferrets! Since ferrets can get injured when falling more than a foot, I recommend if you get this one to use some cardboard or coroplast to cover the very bottom bars to prevent climbing.
Cage is a Ferret Nation cage from Midwest; https://www.amazon.com/MidWest-182-leak-Proof-Shelves-Measures/dp/B0054U8UGW# Though I don’t recommend using their shelf covers or ramps, they attach by velcro and are not secure. I got my adorable honey bee shelf covers and most of her other toys from Zoey and Lilo’s Toybox ; https://www.zoeyandlilostoybox.com/
https://www.amazon.com/MidWest-182-leak-Proof-Shelves-Measures/dp/B0054U8UGW# this is the one my chinch has, she loves it
Not to rain on your parade or anything but it looks pretty flimsy to me. My chin would do a wall bounce and have the entire top part falling over.
The metal being painted is another concern, they may chew the bars and ingest some. There appears to be a lot of plastic as well and you shouldn’t use hay as bedding to pee on, it teaches them to pee on their hay. Use kiln dried aspen shavings (or another safe wood for chins) only instead.
As well, there’s a plant above the cage who’s leaves could fall in and get eaten. Not enough toys either, I only see one chew in there and it looks like it’s probably not safe wood from how dyed it is. Never trust pet store staff when they tell you something is safe for chinchillas, almost everything they have is actually not safe.
Here’s a link to a good cage: https://www.amazon.com/MidWest-182-leak-Proof-Shelves-Measures/dp/B0054U8UGW# And a link to some toys, cage liners etc. ; https://www.zoeyandlilostoybox.com/
Hope I could help, and sorry to be so critical but since you asked.
MidWest Homes for Pets 182 Ferret Nation Double Story Unit, 1-Year Manufacturer Warranty https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0054U8UGW/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_1R9JAGNW8EPSJC067Q22
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0054U8UGW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_7N4G566GDK5GWGH0JWNJ?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 double is in stock near me.
if you can the best options are a critter nation or a ferret nation. i know they are pricy but they are best options. make sure you either remove all plastic or cover it with fleece. and grate bottoms aren’t that nice to have as it can cause bumble foot. you can look up online what woods they can’t and can have and same goes with food. alfalfa hay or timothy depending on the age and a good pellet mix is anything with out all the colorful stuff i recommend this. let me know if you need anything you can dm me or just put more post on this sub with more details. :)
Sure!
Here's from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/MidWest-182-leak-Proof-Shelves-Measures/dp/B0054U8UGW
It's the "Midwest Ferret Nation Double Unit Ferret Cage" and usually some other keywords, but the double unit is the one you're after for the two-story and big. The shelf on the bottom is perfect for treat and toy storage.
He does have a two level cage, but he almost never uses the bottom platform. If I could make his ideal cage, it would be longer than it is tall. He loves climbing around, but I think he also loves walking because it is just easier for him. He loves hopping around on his platform because he can orient himself much better for playing, eating, etc. than he can when limited to a perch where he has limited positions where he can balance and feel secure while playing/eating.
I have a double critter nation cage because I used to have pet rats. It comes with a large second floor platform, and I wanted to give him plenty of flat floor space beneath his perches so if he did fall, he wouldn't fall far. For Kevin, it was more important for him to have horizontal bars so he could climb easily. It's funny, most bird cages have vertical bars, so he would be much more frustrated getting around because his beak and one foot would probably slip on the vertical bars.
The double critter nation has a pretty small bar spacing, I don't know if it would work for a bird with a larger beak. They do have a double ferret nation with larger bar spacing, but the horizontal bars are farther apart (but still better than many bird cages). Not sure how big your baby is, but it still might be a bit small. The way the cages are designed, many folks have put together three or four of the cages to make giant cages for their pets! You could probably get three ferret nation cages and put them side by side to make a cage large enough for your grey. Three cages side by side would be about 9ft wide.
When I first got him, I was convinced that he needed flat perches. He hates the flat perches. 😆 He loves walking but he loves his regular round perches too! Someone had recommended vet wrap to give him a bit more traction, and my vet improved it even more by suggesting that I wrap the perch in fleece, then vet wrap. It keeps the perch grippy but cushioned, and helps prevent any sores on his lil stump, and helps keep his good foot from getting tired by gripping harder on a slippery perch. Also really easy to clean because I just remove and replace the vet wrap.
Sorry that was such a novel!
https://www.amazon.com/MidWest-182-leak-Proof-Shelves-Measures/dp/B0054U8UGW
if you can afford to buy the double unit all at once (it works out cheaper than buying the sections individually), this is the one i have !!
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0054U8UGW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1 This is honestly the best one you can get. The platforms come out so you can soap them up and spray them off with a hose. It's safe on the ferret feet and has the least chance of ferret injury! It's rated the best in the ferret community!
The absolute best cage out there is a Ferret Nation, preferably a Double Level but a Single Level will work too. Like the other comment said, ferret proofing a room or your whole house is the best. Ferrets need at LEAST 6-8 hours of free roaming outside of their cage and playing. If you’d like to read it over, I have a Ferret Info Guide with tons of tips and tricks, links and information. Feel free to ask me any questions you may have! :)
Well first they need a bigger cage. A lot bigger. Try this cage out. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0054U8UGW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_6wN1QKRsQYmQi its great and comes with hard bottom inserts that you can take out to clean.
Second ferrets can't have wire floors unless you want them to develop foot sores that lead to amputation.
Third I would recommend checking out some of The Modern Ferrets videos on YouTube about ferrets.
Also check out:
https://holisticferretforum.com/
Try ferret.vet for a good ferret vet near you.
https://holisticferretforum.com/care-and-enrichment/common-behavior-problems/ferret-bite-training/
More like this. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0054U8UGW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
You want something with a solid bottom so they don't get sores on their feet. You could get the other cage, but you will want to cover the bottom with some type of flooring like vinyl. They also like a lot of fleece blankets.
its a bit expensive, but this sub seems to love the ferret nation cages
you can also get a similar one at petsmart by their brand all living things. I cant find it on their website right now but I got mine, its the same as a critter nation, but rebranded basically and it was valid for petsmarts coupons and sales so I got it cheaper.
this is also expensive but here is a link to a wheel that Ive been using for my chins its 100% worth it though, they love their wheels
The best cage is the Ferret Nation, you could get either the Double Level or the Single Level which will be fine if your ferrets are given enough free roam time. As for tips and tricks, I have a Ferret Info Guide with tons and tons of information about ferrets and their care. I hope this helps!
They need a cage big enough to fit them, especially if you don’t have them free roam 24/7. Ferrets are similar to cats in that they really don’t need cages. As long as your house is ferret proofed and safe, they’ll be fine. It’s still a good idea to have a cage for emergencies, so the best is the Ferret Nation. You can get a Double Ferret Nation or a Single Ferret Nation, which is big enough if they have PLENTY of free roam time.
I’ve never done this, but would say no. My ferrets get scared when the vacuum turns on, I can’t imagine them being fine on a loud motorcycle around other cars. I wouldn’t recommend because their hearing is really well and all the loud noise could hurt their ears. Plus, god forbid anything every happens, they wouldn’t be safe.
Yes it will. But only if you don’t have air conditioning. Ferrets can’t be in temperatures higher than 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They are very prone to overheating and heat stroke. They are comfortable in 60-65 degree Fahrenheit temperatures. But they won’t be able to go outside on those extremely hot days, probably not until winter if those are normal temperatures for your area.
Yes you can! The best diet for ferrets is a raw meat diet. The Holistic Ferret Forum has tons of info on raw feeding and ferrets in general here. I’ve found this website to be very helpful and informative. There is also a mentoring program by a very knowledgeable ferret owner named Bryn here. She’ll talk with you while helping you switch your ferrets to a raw diet.
If you have any more questions about ferrets in general, feel free to read through all the ferret info I’ve collected throughout the years. I update it anytime I learn new information and research. If anything seems questionable, feel free to message me and I’ll take a look and see if it needs changing. :)
Yes they love having a sibling and they will keep each other happy and play with each other when you can’t. It’s such a difference from having one ferret to having two, so definitely get a second one. Plus, the more the merrier!
If you ferret proof your apartment and provide poop corners/litter boxes, they can easily free roam at all times. Ferrets are similar to cats and shouldn’t be in a cage long, and would love staying out. It’s a good idea to have a cage for emergencies or just when you have to put them away. So I’d recommend a Double Ferret Nation. This is the absolute best cage and safest cage for ferrets, many owners wouldn’t recommend any other.
Per meal feeding is difficult to gage. It’s different for every ferret and depends on why you’re feeding. Kits and younger ferrets are known to eat more. If you’re feeding raw, it’s best to have 2-3 meals a day and to make sure they have food available every four hours. Some raw meat can be left out for hours without a problem. If your kibble feeding, leave the kibble out all day.
They definitely have a musk to them, but it’s not unpleasant to many. If they are on a high quality diet and you wash bedding regularly, it’s easily managed. Also, invest in an air purifier (no ozone), there are some that are pet odor specific.
They really aren’t loud unless in a hardcore play session, dooking and squealing. They can cause loud noise by getting into things, so ferret proofing is a must.
If you have any more questions about ferrets in general, feel free to read through all the ferret info I’ve collected throughout the years. I update it anytime I learn new information and research. If anything seems questionable, feel free to message me and I’ll take a look and see if it needs changing. :)
It's a double unit ferret nation cage from Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0054U8UGW/ref=cm_sw_r_fm_apa_i_nyiZEbFWW535Y
Definitely get a Chewy account/app, you’ll thank me later because it’s amazing for food and toys(and even prescriptions if you ever need any). Okay first up is the cage. The best cage is the Ferret Nation Double Level Cage. You can buy this from Amazon here->> https://www.amazon.com/MidWest-182-leak-Proof-Shelves-Measures/dp/B0054U8UGW Or you might be able to find it on craigslist or facebook or some shelters for cheaper.
Next you need water and food bowls->> https://www.amazon.com/MidWwest-Homes-Pets-Snapy-Stainless/dp/B000MD3NLS/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?dchild=1&keywords=midwest+snappy&qid=1587671952&sr=8-6 These are the best in my opinion as they attach to the cage so the ferrets can’t flip them. Don’t get water bottles as they damage ferrets teeth and they usually cannot get enough water from them.
Then you’ll need hammocks and blankets and toys. You definitely need ramp covers, which you can get on Amazon also but I believe they come with the cage for I would double check. When I first got mine I just cut up a couple of blankets and made makeshift liners for the plastic floors. Hammocks are easy to find and are usually cheap. Amazon, Chewy, Petco and Etsy all have great choices and cool looking fabrics. You can even get sets so they all match.
Next is a litter box, I personally just bought a Bass Equipment tray to make the entire bottom pan a litter box(Stainless Steel 2.5in) ->> https://www.bassequipment.com/Shop/FERRET-NATION-PANS-1425 Another choice would be to litter box train them very well and use a litter box. I had this one before I made the switch and it works great for ferrets ->> https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/so-phresh-dog-litter-box It’ll fit perfectly off to one of the sides. For underneath the litter box and the rest of that floor space I used newspaper. A great investment, although not necessary, is poop guards. I made them myself using coroplast(get this from local hardware store) and cut pieces to fit the cage sides at 7” high. Just ziptie them to the bars and you can easily wipe them down to clean them.
Those are pretty much your starter essentials. Here is stuff you’ll need to get monthly(or however often it is used up). So for food I get Wysong Epigen 90 Digestive Support and I get two 5lb bags delivered every month or so. That’s about 50$(keep in mind that I have six ferrets so you’ll probably only need one so 25$). Next I get Exquisicat Natural Paper Crumble litter from Petsmart for their litter boxes. You can get a 15lb bag for 11.99$. Now I have two cats also that I also use this for so I get two bags once a month but you can spread it out however is easiest. I use newspaper that we have lying around or given to us for potty spots too but you can use puppy pads if that’s easier for you. And that’s pretty much it. They really aren’t that expensive to take care of unless you involve the vet.
Here’s some tips for cage/accident cleanings. Bleach isn’t really healthy for anything to breathe in and ferrets have an incredibly sensitive respiratory system. So I would recommend vinegar. Just get vinegar (apple cider vinegar if you want a better smell) and warm water and mix them fifty/fifty. Then put it into a clean spray bottle and you have a new ferret cleaner. I also make my own baby wipes using this for any poop accidents. All you do is cut up some old washcloths into fours and add half warm water and half vinegar into a container and let the washcloths soak in it. Then just take one out when you need it. I wipe down and clean their cage once a week (again I have six, so I would recommend at least once every two weeks for you) with this stuff and it’s perfect.
Alrighty that’s all the immediate stuff that comes to mind but I’ll put a masterpost of Ferret Info that I give to new comers. Feel free to read through it or just ignore it lol it’s up to you, just figured it might help.
This information could vary depending on where you live, as for the United States. Make sure you’re familiar with your local laws on ferrets and your landlords policy before you commit to anything.You’ll most likely come across Marshall ferrets if you’re getting from a pet store. You want to look for the double dot tattoo on their ear that indicates they’ve been descented and spayed/neutered. You should always have at least two ferrets because they’re social animals and get depressed alone. They’re very social and need someone to keep them company whenever you can’t. You really can’t take the place of a second ferret playmate because you cannot play like a ferret and there will be times when they are without you and you can’t cuddle up in their hammock with them lol I find females are easier to train but boys can be very sweet too. They do bite and that needs to be trained out of them. It’s a good idea to research some training techniques before hand so you’re prepared and can be consistent from the start. They relieve themselves in corners so that can be used to your advantage when potty training them. Some people use litter boxes with pellets (never kitty litter), personally I use weewee pads and secure them in place with tape. If they’re not secure they will run away with them and tear them up lol. They do poop a lot and you have to keep up with cleaning it up. They’re super smart and energetic so they need enrichment. Tunnels, ball pits, and toys are a must. They also need lots of out of the cage time (minimum of 4 hours a day but the more the better) if you can dedicate a ferret proof section of your house that is ideal, my ferrets have their own bedroom so they are never confined to a cage. If they are roaming in a non ferret proof room they need to be closely monitored because they can be seriously injured if they chew on a wire, get stepped on, knock over something glass, or get into food that would be toxic for a ferret etc. As far as cages go I recommend a ferret nation cage, the double doors makes cleaning it easier and it’s an appropriate size for a ferret. Wysong digestive support is a good food for them. Grizzly’s salmon oil too. Be careful when picking a food because they cannot have vegetables, grains, or soy and many leading pet food brands do have them. They are strictly carnivores and should never eat dairy, sugar, fruits, vegetables, or grains/breads. They need their ears cleaned once a week and their hammocks and beds need to be washed. The majority of their musky smell comes from their ears so keeping up with that will keep the smell under control. They don’t need baths very often, frequent baths could dry out their skin. Their nails also need to be clipped and this is better off done as a two person job so one person can scruff ( held up by the skin on the back of their neck like a cat would hold a kitten in her mouth) and the other person can clip the nails. Make sure you don’t clip too fair back or you could make them bleed. You can usually see the vein in their nail and avoid it but it is something you need to be careful about and don’t want to do if they’re squirming. Another tactic is to try it right after they’ve fallen asleep so they’re docile enough to let you do it. or you can rub some salmon oil on their tummy so that they’ll be distracted licking it off. Don’t use ferretvite/ferretone/vitamin pastes marketed towards ferrets it contains harmful ingredients (sugar) for ferrets. Keep styptic powder on hand in case of an accident. Their teeth also need to be cleaned. Constant access to fresh water in a bowl (not a bottle) is a must. Don’t leave the lights on for them, the dark is good for their melatonin regulation which helps prevent adrenal disease. I would also recommend keeping an empty emergency kennel above their cage in case of a fire or any other event that would need you to evacuate quickly. It’s also important to have a vet on hand. If you get a Marshall’s ferret they’re usually all taken care of medically before you adopt them but you still need to keep up with routine vaccinations and they are sensitive creatures and are prone so certain problems like insulinoma and adrenal disease, they are also very accident prone and you don’t want to wait until something is wrong to look for a vet. Most conventional cat/dog vets won’t see ferrets because they are considered exotic. You should also familiarize yourself with blockage protocol. They live up to 8 years and take a lot of time, energy, love, patience, and commitment. They are a long term commitment so make sure you’re up for it and your schedule allows for it before you adopt. Good luck :)
MidWest Deluxe Ferret Nation Double Unit Ferret Cage (Model 182) Includes 2 leak-Proof Pans, 2 Shelves, 3 Ramps w/Ramp Covers & 4 locking Wheel Casters, Measures 36" L x 25" W x 62.5" H Inches https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0054U8UGW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ENuCDb2RWR1V5
Wysong Ferret Epigen 90 Digestive Support - Dry Ferret Food, Four - 5 Pound Bags https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019W9VYPY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_cOuCDb9EA300W
Grizzly Omega Health for Dogs & Cats, Wild Salmon Oil/Pollock Oil Omega-3 Blend https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074N97RFP/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_wOuCDbJGSXZ2Y
https://holisticferretforum.com/care-and-enrichment/common-behavior-problems/ferret-bite-training/
https://holisticferretforum.com/care-and-enrichment/common-behavior-problems/litterbox-boot-camp/
https://holisticferretforum.com/health/blockages/blockage-protocol/
https://holisticferretforum.com/care-and-enrichment/cages-and-bedding/464-2/ferret-litters/
Two story ferret nation on sale now for $162 4hrs left Ferret Nation Habitat / Cage, Double Unit
The cage is just a now-somewhat-ubiquitous Ferret Nation two-level cage with an additional shelf installed.
For anyone interested: Their cage is Midwest Double Unit with an old tablecloth covering half of the top unit (to hold in the warmth). The shelf is a scrap piece of wire shelving left over from a closet organizer project, attached to the cage with a few zip-ties. The heater is a Lasko #100 personal ceramic heater that I have connected to a simple timer which turns it on at sundown and off a couple hours after sunrise.
The covered part of the cage (not seen in the photo) is quite a bit warmer than the uncovered part, so if it's too hot or too cold they can move to a more comfortable space. But for the most part they like laying in the spot that the heater blows directly on.
One of the best cages we ever bought for our rabbits! Worth every penny, tons of room to climb and exercise in and they love it!!!!
MidWest Deluxe Ferret Nation Double Unit Ferret Cage (Model 182) Includes 2 leak-Proof Pans, 2 Shelves, 3 Ramps w/Ramp Covers & 4 locking Wheel Casters, Measures 36"L x 25"W x 62.5"H Inches https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0054U8UGW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_vWXfCbFWRD4SA
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