Our ferrets use gravel for digging, and it works well.  They seem to snorkle
through it ok, and if a piece flies out, it can be retreived.  The gravel is
kept in a dishpan, and I think we have 3 or 4 bags.  We use only the
uncoated gravel, in original (undyed) rock colors.  The epoxy coated is
easier to find, and while it may not hurt them, I look for the uncoated.
 
When it's gravel playing time - like this long weekend - we bring out the
pool, and dump it in.  The pool is a typical kiddies blue wading pool from
K-Mart.  We kept the gravel and pool in the kitchen all week- end, and when
the ferrets weren't out, threw a couple of throw rugs over it.  This turns
it into a big cat's bed, instead of a cat's potty, like the last gravel
container became!  Humph!
 
We have another container, which I think might eliminate most of the thrown
sand someone mentioned.  Home Depot sells heavy black pvc garden ponds for
about $35.00 (this is a LOT more than a kiddie wading pool) with a 2 foot
deep center section, and a very wide rim.  They are designed for aquatic
plants or fish.  I'd like to get some really course sand for that one.  The
rim has a shallow depression which would catch thrown sand and keep most of
it from going over onto the floor.
 
Does anyone know if they REALLY prefer sand over gravel?  Ours love the
gravel.  I mound it up in the center of the pool and they dig and snorkle
through it.  And with gravel, I can dribble a handful over them without
worrying it might get in their eyes.  Does anyone have seperate containers
of both?
 
Georgia
[Posted in FML issue 2221]