Hi everyone.  First I'd like to comment on my last post about my ferts
winning the fuzzie photo contest of the week - it was somewhat confusing.
When you go to the dookranch.com and click on the fuzzy photo of the week
the first thing you see is a memorial to Mike's ferret from the dookranch,
Bandit who recently passed on.  Then when you scroll down you see the
picture of my kids.  It's a coincidence that my kitty and his ferret are
both named Bandit.  I received condolences from many friends asking if my
kitty or ferret died.  Not to worry everyone is doing fine!
 
Secondly, I'd like to put my 2 cents in about ferret cages.  I have a
three tier cage, aka condo, that holds a comf-e-cube house, a hammock,
blankets for cuddling, a sleeper sak, a few toys, food & water bottle, & a
litter pan.  It is their sanctuary, their home.  They feel secure and safe
when they're in their cage.  I leave the doors open when I'm home and they
go in/out as they please.  I have seen Pippin lounging in his hammock or
Merry sleeping in her cube when they've had enough playing and go to bed
on their own.  I cage my ferrets at night or when I'm not home, sometimes
I open the door and they don't come out right away.  They know the door
will be left open and they can come out at their leisure.  Since I have a
kitty that is the place (and of course the hidey holes) that is their
private space and kitty can't go in there (though I've caught him trying
once).  Everyone needs a place to hang their hat, or favorite RikiTiki
toy!!!!  The cage is their home and they love it!!  Sure they might be
anxious to come out and play sometimes, but they don't bite the cage bars
or think they are prisoners.  They have nap time or keep each other
company.  I understand that not everyone can afford a large cage and it
seems like punishment to keep an animal locked in a small cage.  When
Pippin was rescued from the APL he came with a small uncomfortable cage
and I upgraded him to a better one as soon as I could.  Remember that
ferret owners pamper their little darlings in most cases and some ferrets
live BETTER than we do.  It all depends on the situation, but I agree with
other posts that I've read that it's best to keep your ferret caged when
you're not home or asleep.  Safety first!!!  It's Murphy's Law that
anything that can happen WILL.  I love my ferrets with all my heart and
don't keep them prisoners in their cage, I keep them safe in their
cage....it's where they hang their adorable little hats!!!!
 
Trish ~ Merry & Pippin
 
P.S.  To Connie & Slinky: GO SLINKY!!!!  I voted for Slinky today and see
that he's got 58% of the votes already!  We're rooting for you buddy!!!!!
[Posted in FML issue 3755]