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Ferretproofing

August 15, 2022

Are you considering getting a pet ferret? These guys may be small, but they pack a lot of personality into those little bodies. You may be surprised and delighted at how cute, playful, and mischievous your new pet is. In order to keep your pint-sized pal safe, you’re going to need to do some ferretproofing. A Galena, MD vet offers some tips on this below.

Choose A Spot

It’s generally best to ferretproof one or two rooms, and keep your tiny pet confined to those areas. If these rooms don’t have doors you can close when your furry friend is out of his cage, you can make your official ferret playrooms escape proof by using baby gates.

Holes

Ferrets can fit into some very small holes, and they love exploring nooks and crannies. Seal off any openings behind and beneath furniture and counters. You may want to lie down on the floor and look around from that level, as you may notice things you wouldn’t necessarily spot otherwise. You can use rolled-up towels to block smaller openings, such as cracks between washers and dryers.

Choking Hazards

Anything small or sharp is a choking hazard. This includes things like pens, tacks, paper clips, earrings, coins, and small toys. Keep these things out of reach of those tiny paws!

Address Wires

Your pet could be seriously hurt by chewing on a live wire, and could even start a fire. Protect, move, or secure any wires that your furry friend could possibly reach.

Get Slipcovers

Ferrets love to burrow down into cushions and pillows. This can be quite dangerous, as your tiny pal could get sat on! Getting removable slipcovers for your furniture can help prevent this.

Toxins

It’s not a bad idea to put childproof locks on your lower cabinet doors, especially for cupboards where you may store cleaning products or other chemicals. Pesticides, automotive products, detergents, and drain openers are all unsafe for your little buddy. Many plants are also unsafe.

Valuables

As you may know, ferrets have red hands, or paws, and will take off with anything they find interesting. That could be anything from a bracelet to your car keys to your cell phone. Get into the habit of stashing personal items in spots your adorable thief can’t get to.

Our Advice on Ferretproofing in 2024

What are the key considerations when ferretproofing a home for a new pet ferret?

When ferretproofing your home, the main focus is ensuring safety and preventing escape. Ferrets are curious and can squeeze through tiny spaces, so seal off small holes and gaps behind furniture and appliances. Keep small, sharp objects like pens and paper clips out of reach, as they pose choking hazards. Address electrical safety by securing or covering wires to prevent chewing. Also, consider using slipcovers on furniture to prevent ferrets from burrowing into cushions, where they could be accidentally harmed. Lastly, safeguard household toxins and personal valuables, as ferrets are known to be playful and mischievous.

How should you address the risk of ferrets fitting into small holes in the home?

To address the risk of ferrets fitting into small holes at home, it’s essential to inspect and ferret-proof your space thoroughly. Ferrets can squeeze into surprisingly tiny gaps, so examine your home from a ferret’s perspective, ideally at floor level. Look for openings behind and under furniture, appliances, and cabinets. Seal these spaces using safe and non-toxic materials like metal mesh, wood, or specially designed barriers. Pay special attention to gaps around pipes, vents, and under doors. Consistent vigilance and adaptation of your space are vital to keeping your inquisitive ferret safe and secure.

What everyday household items pose choking hazards to ferrets?

In a household with ferrets, it’s crucial to be aware of everyday items that can pose choking hazards. These include small objects like rubber bands, paper clips, pens, and earrings, which ferrets might find and chew on. Also, watch out for small toys, especially those with detachable parts, and items like coins and buttons. Anything that can fit into a ferret’s mouth can be a risk. Keeping these items out of reach, regularly checking the floor and low surfaces, and maintaining a tidy environment are vital strategies to prevent accidental ingestion and choking incidents in ferrets.

What types of household toxins should be secured to keep ferrets safe?

To keep ferrets safe in the home, securing various household toxins is crucial. These include cleaning agents like detergents, bleach, and disinfectants; automotive products such as antifreeze; pesticides and insecticides; and personal care items like lotions and perfumes. Additionally, certain plants can be toxic to ferrets, so it’s essential to research and remove harmful flora. Store all such items in high or locked cabinets, out of ferrets’ reach. Always use childproof locks on lower cabinets, especially in areas where cleaning supplies or other chemicals are kept, to prevent accidental exposure and ingestion.

How can you protect valuables from a ferret’s tendency to take things?

Protecting valuables from a ferret’s natural tendency to take things requires a proactive approach. Firstly, understand that ferrets are naturally curious and like to hide small objects. To safeguard your valuables, consistently keep them in secure places inaccessible to your ferret, like closed drawers, high shelves, or locked cabinets. Regularly check your ferret’s favorite hiding spots to retrieve any taken items. Additionally, provide plenty of stimulating toys and safe objects for your ferret to interact with, diverting their attention from your valuables. Creating a ferret-friendly environment with appropriate enrichment can help satisfy their curiosity and reduce the likelihood of them taking inappropriate items.

Please contact us, your Galena, MD animal hospital, with any questions about ferret care. We’re here to help!

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