What is the best sort of cage for a ferret?  That is a question that has
never been directly answered--there are NO published, peer-reviewed
studies addressing pet ferret caging requirements.  There ARE published
recommendations for enrichment levels for laboratory ferrets, especially
in terms of minimum requirements, but only in general terms.  A
considerable amount of research has been done to understand the
black-footed ferret's need for enrichment, but caging is generally
ignored (however, black-footed ferret cages are considerable larger
than the typical ferret cage).  The question of caging has generated
considerable research in regards to mink (Mustela vison), specifically
for the fur industry.  In a recent publication addressing the needs of
farmed fur animals, the caging requirements of ferrets are only briefly
addressed: "Possible welfare problems are broadly similar to those of
mink.  In particular barren cages which do not meet the needs of ferrets
are a problem." While the research into the caging needs of mink have
been investigated in the efforts to house as many mink together in as
small an enclosure as possible while still producing a fine pelt, the
inquiries hold value in the investigation of pet ferret housing needs.
 
There are fundamental differences between pet ferrets and mink in terms
of behavior.  While pet ferrets and ranched mink are both domesticated,
ferrets have been bred for tameness towards humans while mink have been
bred for color and fur characteristics.  The exact impact of these
breeding programs on the suite of behaviors impacted by caging is
unknown.  Nonetheless, it is clear some mink color variants are more
responsive to negative caging conditions than others, a trait that is
most likely shared by ferrets to some degree.  Mink also appear to
display more stereotypic behaviors than ferrets.  This would not be
unexpected considering ferrets have been maintained in caging for 2500
years, and the worst of stereotypic behaviors would have been culled
long ago.  However, a reduction in the number of displayed stereotypic
behaviors does NOT mean ferrets are unaffected by caging.  It may simply
mean the stresses caused by poor caging practices may be internalized,
rather than externally displayed.
 
In the absence of well-thought out, controlled studies, how can pet
owners determine what caging requirements are best suited for their
ferrets?  First, a deep understanding of the natural history of polecats
is required.  Ferrets are domesticated polecats, and core behaviors--
and needs--are essentially identical with four possible exceptions:
tameness towards humans, a lack of fear towards new (novel) objects
in the environment, increased curiosity, and the extension of juvenile
behaviors into adulthood, especially the delay of the solitary adult
lifestyle.  In other words, pet ferrets would minimally require the
same caging requirements as polecats, and possibly more to meet the
needs of increased curiosity.  Second, a deep understanding of the core
psychological needs of pet ferrets is required.  Most ferret owners have
an intuitive understanding of fundamental ferret psychology, such as
their intense curiosity, use of the mouth in play, fear of sudden noise,
desire for physical contact, etc.  Ferret caging requirements would have
to address these issues.  Third, the minimum caging requirements for
ferrets has to address their physical requirements in terms of body
shape, climbing ability, need for play space, toilet and food zones, and
need for nesting areas.  Finally, all three requirements have to be
viewed in terms of practicality--cages have to be affordable, practical,
and constructible.
 
Bob C
[Posted in FML issue 4184]