Just a quick note- we bought two Graco baby gates- the wooden ones that use
pressure to hold them in place that have the plastic "mesh" inserts.  They
cost $10 each +/- at Wal-Mart.  Hubby bought a piece of Luan at Home Depot
($5 +/-) and cut it to size to fit exactly into the wooden frame of the
gates.  (I think he had to take the entire gate apart and then reassemble
it- not sure as I stay out of the workshop when he is in it...<ggg>) The
luan he bought is laminated (white) on one side, you could easily paint the
other side to match the decor of your home.  Total cost for two gates that
contain all the ferrets (and the numbers range from 18-30 depending on the
number of boarders and shelter ferrets at the time) is $25 +/- for two
gates.  We have yet to have a ferret be able to climb over or under, and we
have some very large hobs and very small jills.  Luan is a very soft wood
that doesn't splinter, so there are no sharp edges, etc.  The finished gate
looks very attractive.  If anyone needs further details, I am sure he would
be willing to help you, or even make it for you for cost plus a few dollars
towards the shelter.  (Not trying to be commercial here- he isn't going to
want to mass produce these things, but if someone doesn't have the tools,
etc., he will be happy to help out.) Feel free to e-mail me.
 
In addition they work great in other parts of the house when my 15 month old
niece come to visit :-)
 
-Mrs. Duck
[Posted in FML issue 2175]