At last!  Back on a Mac!  Inteligent life does exist on earth!  (Well, maybe
not at Apple HQ...).  All of you awaiting private replies will be glad to
know I will start immediately.  May take some time, but it will be done
ASAP.
 
Seems like I put my foot in it talking about fat ferts and cages.  In all
honesty, not having a good idea of what was being said on the FML on the
cage subject, I was answering a couple of private mails concerning fat
ferrets.  But since I have been privately chastized, I'll put my nickle in
about cages and free-roaming ferrets.  Both can be hazardous, and both can
be quite healthy for your pet.  No waffling, just truth.
 
My ferrets roam free during the day, but spend the dark time in large cages.
Roaming free does not mean the ferrets have access to the entire house; the
basement and lower levels, the kitchen, and the bedrooms are off limits
(except on leash) mainly because of the difficulty in ferret- proofing those
areas.  They go to bed at night because I have serious concerns regarding
the long term health effects of disrupted photo- periodism in mustelids.
Its the best way to insure they are subject to a light/dark cycle that
approximates the outdoors.
 
My post on fat ferrets stated that caged ferrets tend to be overweight due
to lack of exercise.  I stand by this statement because it is true.  But
that doesn't mean that a caged ferret _has_ to be underexercised.  An
evening exercise period, maybe a couple extra during weekends, should
provide enough exercise to work off the fat and keep the beasties in shape.
A ferret sleeps up to 20 hours a day anyway so a daliy exercise period is
usually fine (mine average 16 hours each--yes, I do watch because
longer-than-normal-slumber can indicate the beginings of disease or
infection--but then I love to play with them so keep them awake).  Side
benefits include a boosted immune system, increased cardiovascular fitness,
pet/owner bonding, and a deep understanding of the sharpness of ferret's
teeth.
 
Just because a ferret roams the house doesn't mean they are in good shape
either.  Some environments are so sterile that the ferret is bored out of
it's mind, and sleeps all day.  It is important to understand that what is
attractive to humans may not interest the little beasts at all, and many
owners buy toys they want to play with, rather than trying to understand
what the ferret would like.  Don't feel bad--parents do this all the time;
remember the Christmas you got socks?  I have learned the following
preferences from my ferrets: they like anything: 1) New, 2) Stinky, 3) Dirt
containing, 4) Crawlspaces containing, 5) Squeaky, 6) Lambswool covered, 7)
Dark, or 8) Important to the future of your career.  Remember ferrets are
just like people in the respect that if they are bored, they will mope
around and do nothing.  Hey!  That's _my_ job description!
 
The difference between cage and freedom is largely due, in part, to the
preferences of the owner.  You gotta do what is right for yourself, your
pets, and your particular environment.  Just address the needs of your
babies, and all will be right.
 
Bob and the 14 Fertinators (+1)
[Posted in FML issue 1599]