Hi: My wife Jane and myself are also quite new to this list, having lurked
for what we had considered to be a decent time.  For background, our two
ferrets, Nick and Nora (for any fans of old William Powell/Myrna Loy films
out there) are still quite young, perhaps 5 months, and join a household
comprised of one 220 lbs Newfoundland Dog, 4 cats, a hedgehog, and numerous
lesser creatures.  All having the run of the house, they somehow exist in
harmony, although the dog does tend to run from the ferrets, quite a sight
indeed.  At any rate, as spring is upon us, I'm curious about a specific
question; that being, we normally take several weeks at our cottage, some
three hours north of Toronto,and accessible only by water.  For what it's
worth, our nearest neighbour would be a good hours walk away, so we are
quite isolated.  Is it possible to bring ferrets to such an environment?  I
feel that they would likely stay quite close to the cottage, as they seem
most interested in remaining near my wife or myself--however, sealing the
cottage is impossible; where mice can get in, I feel certain that ferrets
can get out, and the mice have thus far defeated our efforts.  If the
ferrets were prone to stay around the cottage, would it be a reasonable
strategy to confine them in their playpen (slightly larger than my first
post University apartment, I might add as an aside), or is this plan wholly
unacceptable?  Has anyone similar experience that they could perhaps share
with me?  I would be most indebted, and if it turns out to be possible, I'm
sure the ferrets would also be most grateful.  At any rate, thanks so much
for your time, and I can be reached through this list, of course, or
directly at [log in to unmask]  Thanks so much, Rick McCloy
 
By the way, after a lifetime of rearing various and sundry animals, I
conclude that ferrets are in many ways the most perfect pet, particularly
for those who enjoy laughter, even at their own expense.  Rick&Jane
 
[P.S.]
Further to my previous posting, I neglected to mention that we had
envisioned using the ferret cage only when we had come to within about
two or three days of our expected departure, so as to have them readily
available; can anyone comment on whether this might remain a viable plan?
Thanks, Rick
[Posted in FML issue 2631]