I can't believe anyone would flame you for what you're trying to do.
You definitely want them to play, and you said it was only temporary. I
adopted my first ferret when I lived in a 300 sq ft apartment, so maybe
I just get it. How big is your space, and why can't you ferret-proof?
When I rented, I didn't do much ferret-proofing anyway other than to
buy a baby gate and get cabinet door locks. If you tell me the issues,
I might be able to figure out a landlord-friendly way to keep them
safe. My fiance's a landlord, and I've working in apartment management
for the last four years.

I'm guessing you're getting the Marshall playpen for them. If so, I
have a great toy idea for it.
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=ferret+tornado
I have this ferret tornado, and it has entrances on the bottom. Unless
you have a really naughty ferret, no one will bother climbing outside
the tubes to escape the playpen. My kids have this tornado, and they go
crazy for it.

You might not be able to have a rice box, but you can probably manage a
paper dig box. Just get a cardboard box from any store (just ask when
they get stock in) and fill it with crumpled newspapers or shredded
paper (when I had a job, I used to bring home shredded paper from work
once in a while). It's a mess, but the whole thing is recyclable when
they lose interest, so it doesn't waste space.

If you're allowed to hang things on the wall, I have more ideas for
you. Just email me, and we'll figure out the best environment for your
kids.

Natalie Fontane

[Posted in FML 7477]