As an expert in not being able to solve my own ferret pooping problems,
I just want to share my feedback with those experiencing the-let us face
it-frustrating dilemna of ferrets not using their litter boxes as we would
like:
 
1.Litter: what kind are you using?  I used to use Yesterdays News, and my
ferrets thought that stuff was too disgusting to poop in after only a few
urinations.
 
Normal kitty litter that does not clump?  Their nose notices before I can
tell that the whole thing needs to be dumped.
 
So I am using pelleted Feline Pine.  I clean it out 3 times a day, and
change it totally once a week---all 14 litter boxes.  I do half on Sat.
and half on Sunday.
 
Cedar or Pine chips are bad for ferrets lungs.  Not to be used at all.
Clumping litter can get in their lungs also.
 
2.How many ferret are in one cage?  I have a large 5 tiered cage.  I made
the tiers myself.  But if I have more than 4 ferret in mine-I am going to
have poop on bedding.  Why?  When a ferret has to go-it has to go.  If
another ferret is in the box, it will go somewhere else.  It won't politely
wait to use the facilities.  It won't go downstairs to use the litter box
there.  Not my guys, anyway.
 
So I have multiple cages.  Mini-Me is in the smallest one learning her
manners consistently.  She is doing beautifully in the cage.  She gets
plenty of time out.  While I had a baby duckling, I let her out in the
ferret room all the time..  Her potty manners started slipping.
 
3.Starting to teach potty manners: This requires a small cage-just enough
room for litter box, bedding, food and water.  The ferret will not poop
on the bedding here, and over time will develope good habits in the cage.
Obviously, you must provide enough time out.
 
4. My litter boxes are on the bottom floors.  I experiment with them, and
have had all different sizes.  Mine prefer one large litter box and a
smaller one on the first floor.
 
The high back did not go over too well with mine in the cages, so I use it
out of the cage.  Maybe something else will work for your guys.
 
I could see giving up ferret because of all the poop problems, so I wanted
to be sure to answer this plea for help.  A sense of humor is crucial.  But
poop all over the cage AND the floors is time consuming, exhausting, and
frustrating.
 
Even several smaller cages will be better than one big one for a bunch of
ferrets.  That has been my experience for all the ferrets I have ever had
for more than 4 ferrets.  And a sick cage for when one of your ferrets has
bad poops, and you don't know who it is is essential anyway.
 
Rearrange some furniture, and get another cage?  Change litter and litter
box?  Retrain ferrets in a smaller cage?  Just what has worked for me.
[Posted in FML issue 3457]