Condolences to those with sick or angeled Carpet Carnivores...
 
It isn't necessary to buy something specifically for keeping pets in one
room (or *out* of one room).  All you need to do is measure the opening,
measure the inseam of the shortest person in your house, then go purchase a
sheet of plexiglas and have it cut to fit.  If you live near a home
improvement center, you can pick out a large sheet of plexiglas and they
will cut it to size for you (though you'll have to pay for the entire
piece).
 
Here are some tips:
 
1) When measuring from side-to-side, be sure that you are measuring where
you want to put the barrier.
 
2) Add about 3/4 to 1 inch to the side measurement in order to provide
pressure that keeps the fuzzies inside.  You place one side of the barrier
against one side of the opening, then "bow" the plexiglas to fit it against
the other side of the opening.  If at all possible, try to fit the barrier
into an area where there are some ridges, rather than against a smooth
opening.  This will prevent the furbrat from simply pushing the barrier
enough times to work it loose.  NOTE: You should have the convex side of
the barrier pointing into the ferret area.  This provides more pressure to
the fuzzie, eliminating the problem of the fuzzbutt knocking the barrier
down.
3) After getting the barrier home, get some duct tape (or other
highly-adhesive-style tape) and tape over the top of the barrier.  You
may need to sand the top (and bottom) edge(s) first, to eliminate sharp
cutting surfaces.  If you can, try to sand until the edge is rounded.
After sanding and cleaning thoroughly, tape the top edge.  This prevents
you from getting caught on the edges, it keeps the carpet/flooring safe,
and it shows you where the top of the barrier is! :)
4)  Be sure to sand the sharp edges of the sides, too.
5) Once a barrier is in place, be sure to lean over and move any items
on the other side before stepping over.  One can never tell where a
ferret-face might be lurking, ready to pounce on your unsuspecting feet!
It also keeps you from squishing a sleeping bottle-brush maker!
 
Have fun! :)
 
Todd and the Fuzzbutt Rodeo Clowns!
 
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[Posted in FML issue 3021]