Today another ferret was turned in, just like one was turned in
yesterday. I wrote an article for our website and FB. It was suggested
I post it here also.:

I do hope you all have noticed a rash of lost ferret notices and we
have also had a lot turned in that were found lately. I don't know
if it is the SPRING time magic that is causing this or what but I am
begging you all to be extra cautious because no matter how careful
you are, those little tykes can find a way and the least opportunity
we give them the better our chances are.

With this nice weather, remember screened windows are not a deterrent
at all, just to flies and mosquitos. If the fresh air is desirable to
you, there are meshes and bars at Home Depot or Lowes or your local
hardware store that will secure it from the little sneaks. Also watch
out for dryer vents, a cute little invitation for them even if it means
they have to do a little improvising to get through the tube. Your
comings and goings is a tease, make sure those ferrets don't see what
you are doing as much as possible because if you are going out there
that means something GREAT is awaiting them. When you are carrying
something, it blocks your view of them sneaking past you. NO NO NO on
doggie doors - when a tiny little dog can get through so can a ferret.
If you must have one, then either keep the trap door shut till needed
and/or make sure all door wells are blocked to the room the doggie door
is in. Watch and go through sacks of trash before carrying them out -
they know how to thumb a ride. Most of all control your kids, their
mind is not on the ferrets when they are running to and from the great
forbidden areas, ferrets know this and they plan.

Do not take chances when you want to give your ferrets a taste of the
outdoors, KEEP them in a tight harness attached to a leash. YES they
may do the alligator roll when you first put it on, but their little
minds are so easily distracted (the reason they can find their way away
from home but rarely back again) and as soon as they discover grass
that tickles the tummy, smells beyond a ferret's dream, sunshine that
feels so good......they forget the contraption and take off on an
adventure. The leash is for you to keep them from going where you
can't reach them or their getting startled and run like the wind to a
protected area where you again can't catch them, (they can move a lot
faster than the little lope they do in the house) and/or to lift them
up out of the way of an aggressive animal. You think it is not going to
happen? THAT is the way to keep it from happening, is being prepared,
then it won't, but if you go unprepared, it usually does.

If you set up a cage outside for them, make sure it is a strong sturdy
one a large animal cannot tear into, make sure it has a tough wired
bottom, or if you want your ferret to enjoy doing it's natural thing,
digging in the dirt, bury the sides into the dirt about 18" or build a
barrier that goes 18" to 2' into the ground where they cannot dig past
it. Even if you set it on concrete, it is best to have a protective
barrier around the edges (such as in a plastic bottom that comes up
around the sides, and best if you can stay out there with them, not a
good idea to leave such minds unattended.

Give ferrets the credit they deserve and DON'T TRUST THEM further than
you can wrap your hand around their little bodies. They aren't evil,
they aren't thinking you will miss them when they are gone or you'd be
heart sick worrying what their fate is, all they are thinking is Fun
Fun Fun - world look out here we come.

Millie Sanders at Txferretrescue.org
with Texas Ferret Lovers Rescue and
connecting Foster homes and sanctuaries

[Posted in FML 8117]