Subject: Ferrets' work is never done
>They dig in plants...
>Penny shredded the carpet to make holes under the door to get out.
>Now they're really rowdy when they get out...
>Penny has taken to eating wires...
 
Just a few quick ideas:
 
Houseplants - hang them or move them to tables, counters, etc. that flying
              and leaping ferrets can't get to.
Toys        - the best toys aren't ones you find in the store.
              Poster tubes, paper bags, boxes with holes cut in them are
              well loved in our house. Get creative - duct tape, scissors/
              knife, and cardboard are all you need to build some ferret
              castles. (It's cheap too!) Some people also get PVC tubing
              and dryer hoses. Give them lots of stuff to play in and
              explore. Ferret pools and sandboxes can also be great fun
              and a great mess! :)
 
              Get some cat toys and play with them yourself. Also don't
              forget the run and chase games. Join in. Playing with them
              helps in the socialization process.
Cords/wires - have you tried Bitter Apple'ing the cords? If they find
              them unappetizing, they may not chew.
Carpets     - There's been lots'o ideas here on how to protect carpets.
              Plastic runners, linoleum squares, plexiglass, etc. can be
              used to protect the carpets underneath.
 
Probably the best thing that I can tell you, don't give them absolute free
run, not now.  Keep them where you are.  If you are in a bedroom doing
something, close the door and keep them in there with you.  Make sure they
have food, water, etc.  You can watch them, play with them, be with them as
you are doing whatever else you are doing.  If you are in a room you can't
close off, how about putting harnesses on the two fuzz-monsters and hooking
the harnesses to something they can't move?  (Those rocks from pet stores
with holes in them work great and are portable.) Our guys have the run of
the upstairs.  Downstairs is not ferret-proofed.  They like to come
downstairs, even though it means harnesses, just to be near us.  (Don't
leave them alone harnessed.)
 
Spend time with your babies.....I think some of your the problems will seem
just resolve themselves....:)
 
-kim, mike, squirt (*knows* downstairs=veggie treats), pippi (*knows* it
too!), atlas (the anti-treat ferret), and hijinx (loves veggies too!)
 
Kimberly Burkard        |   fer'ro-mag-net'ic   adj. 1. a characteristic
Xerox, Rochester, NY    |       of substances having magnetic properties.
[log in to unmask] |   2. a characteristic of those who love ferrets
[log in to unmask]  [picture lost in translations. BIG]
[Posted in FML issue 1278]