Dear all,
 
I am in the rather immediate market for a ferret cage that can house
several fuzzies at a time.  For various reasons, I have more money than
time (though I'm not Bill G) so would *much* rather purchase than
self-build/modify.  *sigh* Gold-plating, however, is not necessary.
I've looked at various web-sites and have tried to sift through the FML
archives (which currently stop at Aug 2K2, BTW).
 
My key requirements:
 
  1. Large enough for 3-5 during the day (i.e., as large as possible).
  2. Easy to clean (really, really important).
  3. Easy external access at all levels.
  4. Rollable/movable (i.e., casters or stand).
  5. Roomy for the usual accessories (e.g., hammock, dishes, litter box),
     but not needing   any major modifications.
  6. Sturdy for many years of use.
 
I don't have a sense of whether having already-solid floors or getting
wire mesh and cutting linoleum would be better is the long run.  Opinions
are solicited.
 
So, my search so far have the following candidates:
 
o The three-story cage from Quality Cage
(www.qualitycage.com/ferret.html).  Their construction looks good, they
include a number of goodies (bottles, hammocks, etc.) and their prices
are reasonable (with knock-down shipping).  I would opt for the coated
wire, rather than bare galvanized.  They appear to have the most access
doors of any cage manufacturer.
 
o Super Pet Deluxe Multi-floor Home (e.g.,
http://www.ferretstore.com/suppetmulfer.html).  It has the solid floors,
adjustable levels, and such.  The bottom appears to be rather more
difficult to clean, requiring removal of top or awkward twists to access
the full bottom floor.  I cannot tell about the access doors; they seem
to be on the sides in the photos.  The related (and, of course, more
expensive) Super Pet Multi-Floor Fun-nel Home (e.g.,
www.ferretstore.com/suppetpetinm.html) has many nice adjustable solid
shelves (1/3 floors), but I've heard the tubing can be a pain to clean
and disassemble.  The tubing also seems a bit gimmicky, though I know
ours love the drier tubing.  The Super Pet Ferret Kingdom
(www.ferretstore.com/sp-60294.html) seems to be another variation of the
Deluxe Multi-floor Home, but a bit deeper.  I also cannot tell if they
use bare or coated wire.
 
o Martin's Cages has gotten a very good rap on FML and other places.  I
don't see whether they offer a rolling stand for any of their cages,
however.  My choice would probably be their coated Penthouse (e.g.,
www.martinscages.com/ferret.htm model F-470), though I don't understand
the price difference between The Ferret Store and Martin's direct.  It
has wire floor only on the bottom, above removable pans, while the rest
of the floors appear to be solid.  Only three center-front doors.
 
o The Super Deluxe Cage from Crafty Creatures (e.g.,
www.craftycreatures.com/forferretsonly/cages_superdeluxe.html).  It seems
a bit more expensive for its size and fixed number of levels (3), but it
comes with casters and removable bottom pan.  I cannot tell if the wire
is bare or coated, nor whether the floors are solid or wire.  They offer
some nice "package deals" (cage plus a bunch of accessories) and
apparently contribute 5% of sales to ADV research.
 
o I've been trying to find a source for the Prevue Deluxe Ferret cage
(mentioned on exoticpets.about.com/cs/ferrets/tp/tpferretcages.htm, and
described on a now-defunct pet store's page as "a whopping 42" x 31" x
55" home with 9 doors, 3 floors with interlocking platforms, 2
slip-resistant ladders, and a removable easy-roll base on casters." The
Ferret Store may have carried it in the past, but I've been unable to
find out any further information (or even a photo).  The Prevue
ferret/cat cage doesn't look appropriate.  Any pointers appreciated.
The model seems to be PV-473.
 
So, I'd appreciate your thoughts and experiences with these larger cages.
Yes, I've left Midwest off the list.  They seem well-built, but not the
best design without modifications (some of which can be quite lovely).
It seems one of the ones listed above would do just as well.  In your
experience, is fewer floors with more surface area better than multiple
smaller levels?  Do the fuzzies like the ramps?
 
Respond to the email list, if you wish.  However, feel free to email me
directly, rather than to the whole list, to save bandwidth.  I will
summarize all personal replies back to the list in very short order.
 
Cheers,
Peter
[Posted in FML issue 3961]