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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! |
