Ferret Proofing for Safety
One of the most important things you can do to safeguard your ferret is to ensure there is absolutely NO way for them to escape to the outer world or into openings in your home.
Unlike cats and dogs, these little guys CANNOT survive on their own and will surely die within a few days without human intervention, let alone what they might encounter while exploring their new found turf.
If your ferret should happen to escape to the outer world, you should be prepared to bring their favorite squeaky toy and possibly another ferret in your search for him.
In addition, you should always have a recent photo of your ferret(s) which you could use to produce fliers of your missing ferret to help identify him as a house pet.
Don't underestimate the abilities of a ferret, they are more than capable of getting into or under the smallest of openings and able to move heavy things outs of their way!
Ferret proofing is not a one time job, it is a constant endeavor that our fuzzies prove time and again.
Equally important is to ensure there is nothing dangerous or poisonous (especially house plants and potpourri) within their reach as ferrets are more than capable of jumping and climbing to get to items that catch their attention, as well as dig through the dirt of your favorite houseplant.
Common household items that are usually over looked in protecting your fuzzy are the buttons on your remote control which they can swallow, parts of a toy they can chew off and swallow and the infamous styrofoam packing peanuts. All of these items can cause serious life threatening health problems to a ferret which can easily be avoided.
Due to the size and endless curiosity of the ferret, they will always find new ways and new territories to explore. Prior to bringing home your first ferret, it is vital to their safety and well-being that there be no openings they can get into or under.
The best way to accomplish this is to literally lay on the floor in every room and search out spaces, openings, etc. they can get into and close them up.
This applies to cabinets which they can open as well, you certainly don't want your ferret to come into contact with any dangerous chemicals, so child proofing is strongly recommended.
As previously mentioned, ferret proofing is not a one shot deal, you will always need to keep an eye on your ferret as they show you new territory they can get in to.
The following list is a good starting point for ferret proofing, but is not totally comprehensive. You will need to watch your ferret carefully in your own home to truly identify all the ways you need to ferret-proof your home!
Appliances -
restrict access to laundry and kitchen if possible. If not, block off around appliances (fridge, stove, dishwasher, washer, dryer, freezers) so that ferrets can't get under them or into the workings (e.g. where the motor or wires are located). Also double check for hiding ferrets before turning appliances on or shutting their doors.
Laundry baskets -
double check the laundry before putting in washer or dryer.
Dryer vents -
secure the dryer duct (watch for chewing into the duct) or your ferret may use it to get outdoors or into the dryer.
Air ducts -
ensure your ferrets cannot get into the heating/air ducts or they might get stuck, injured, or end up outdoors.
Continued on the Ferret Proofing Part 2
