HI Leslie :)
 
We had the same problem with our ferrets (all 8 of them *G*) we would
hear..  "scrabble, scrabble..  THUNK... bounce, bounce!" as another ferret
fell off a ledge.  What we did, was to make each floor bigger, with 1/2
inch plywood covered with stick on lino squares.  We made the floors this
shape (Hang on..  I am going to try to show you, *G* bear with my very poor
artistic abilities):
 
                         --------------
                         '                   '
                         '                   '
                         '                   '
                         '                   '
             ---------                   '
            '                               '
            '                               '
            '                               '
            '                               '
            '                               '
            '                               '
            -----------------------
 
Sort of a rectangle with a rectangle cut out of it, for the stairs to poke
through.  The wood was 33 1/2 inches X 22 1/2 inches, with a hole cut out,
that was 8 1/2 X 18 inches, for the ladder.  I went to a Scotties Hardware
Store, and bought the sheet lumber, (I think it was about $7) and they cut
the whole thing (BOTH of them, I made 2) for FREE!  I then bought 2 - 1
inch dowels, and stuck them into the bars from the inside at either end of
the cage to rest the platforms on.  (they are a tight jam into the spaces
between the bars, but its not movable by the ferrets) The dowels will
protrude about 1/2 inch on each side.  The dowels were about $3.50 each I
think..  and the place and press tile (it took 5 to do each level, were
$0.59 cents each so..  about $6 for that..  so for about $20, you almost
triple their living space :)
 
For the bottom, I removed the cage clamps, (I saw the tip on here, I forget
who mentioned it, sorry) and even with 8 ferrets, none would be able to
lift the cage :) Then it is easy to lift the top off, and hose out the
bottom.
 
For the digging in the food, we use the food bowls that there is a screw on
cap that fits part of the bowl that protrudes from the cage, and raise it
to a level where they have to stand up to get the food.  Some grab a piece
and take it to the floor..  some are happy to munch at that height..  they
can easily reach it though..  I keep it about "ferret armpit" height when
they are standing.  This stopped my "diggers" (although, it won't stop mine
when they are in a real temper tantrum LOL but then..  what would!  *G*)
 
Hope this helps :)
 
Mary and the group of 8
[Posted in FML issue 2420]