Here are some tips on ferret proofing your home... Do you have any ideas?  email us with your tips!

01/10/08

10 TOP TIPS ON FERRET PROOFING

1. WINDOWS/DOORS: Screens are not a preventive measure. Ferrets have been known to push them open, tear holes in them and/or climb to the top and fall, causing injury. Make sure all doors and windows are closed when your ferret is roaming free. It only takes a moment for a ferret to escape. Also, watch for small parts on blinds that your ferret could chew on and possibly ingest.

2. PLANTS: Ferrets are diggers by nature, which can pose several dangers. Certain soils are toxic and plants are often toxic as well. Even if a plant is not considered poisonous, it could cause illness and internal blockages. The digestive tract of a ferret is not designed to process plant or vegetable matter. Make sure all houseplants are completely out of reach.

3. ELECTRICAL OUTLETS/CORDS:  Protect electrical outlets in the same manner you would for a  human child. Plastic outlet covers/plugs are available at most hardware stores. Make sure these fit snugly into the outlet. As an extra precaution, cover the outlet with electrical tape. Electrical cords and computer cables are another amusement item for ferrets that present a danger. Make certain these cords are not within easy reach. Bundle computer cables together with zip ties to keep them out of reach. A ferret can easily pull on a cord, which could be attached to something heavy, such as a lamp. This could result in injury or death to you ferret and could also start a

4. FANS AND HEATERS: Make sure these are always out of reach. Ferrets can get their small paws crushed in fans, and space heaters can be knocked over and start a fire. Don't assume these are safe when a ferret is on the loose.

5. DRAWERS/CABINETS: Ferrets often use drawers as a stepping stone to higher places. Make sure you use child locks on all cabinets and drawers, especially those containing harmful chemicals. They may also access the inside of the drawer from underneath if there is no bottom board. This also saves you embarrassment by preventing your ferrets from dragging your undergarments out while you have company over.

6. RUBBER: Anything rubber will get a ferret's attention. Beware! Rubber can be ingested and cause internal blockages, resulting in expensive surgeries and or death. Do not allow your ferret access to rubber bands, rubber parts on doorstops, shoe insole, backside of bathmats, and any other rubber item. Some vets have pulled more rubber items out of ferrets than any other object.

7. RECLINER: There is no safe way to ferret proof a recliner. The mechanisms inside these chairs are dangerous and ferrets can climb inside. When an unsuspected guest reclines, a ferret inside might suffer serious injury or death. To be safe, remove these chairs from your home or put them in a room that ferrets cannot access. This may not be realistic, so flip the chair over while in the extended position, and staple, tack, or duck tape a twin size sheet to cover the entire area.

8. GARBAGE: Any garbage (kitchen, bath, etc) needs to be off limits. Food such as fruits and veggies, and empty toilet paper rolls, Q-tips, toxins, etc. could kill your ferret. Keep garbage containers out of reach at all times to avoid this risk.

9. LAUNDRY: Ferrets love dirty laundry. Make sure you check the laundry basket and recheck the washer/dryer for ferrets prior to starting the machines. In the laundry room, dryer tubes have provided escape routes. Keep your ferrets out of the laundry room altogether  for greater safety.

10. MISCELLANEOUS HAZARDS: If your ferret can fit through it, it probably will. This includes cracks in drywalls, hole between the wall and floor, corners of kitchen cabinets, etc. Best was to ferret proof is to get on their level and check all the nooks and crannies. We also recommend a carbon monoxide detector and a smoke detector. These can save not only your ferret's life, but yours too!