Hello,
 
I saw your post on FML.
 
Let's see, I generally just pet my ferrets however I want.  My don't
really like to have their tummies rubbed, but I do it anyway, because it
usually gets them to play.  They don't usually sit in my lap and cuddle
long enough to just pet like a cat or dog, so I try to grab each of them
and hug, kiss, and pet them from head to tail before they run off.
 
As for clipping nails, my roommate and I have to do it together.  One of
us scruffs the ferret (holds on by the skin on its neck), this makes them
go limp and not fight so much, then the other clips their nails.  We just
use a people finger nail clipper, but you can buy special ones for cats
and ferrets.  When you clip the nails, look at the nail to see the pink
vein that's in there.  Clip in front of it.  There is a nerve that runs
right next to the vein and if you clip into the nerve and/or vein it
will hurt a lot and bleed.  You should keep stypitc powder on hand when
clipping nails, just in case the vein gets clipped.  Styptic powder can
be found at most pet stores (PetCo has it).  Also for clipping nails,
some people put a drop of Ferretone on their belly.  They spend their
time licking the Ferretone and don't realize that their nails are being
clipped.  Occassionally if we grab ours while they're sleeping, if we're
careful, we can cut their nails without them even waking up.
 
Now for building a cage.  My roommate and I built our ferret cage out of
PVC tubbing for the frame, then we attached wire with cable ties, and we
used a piece of plexiglass for the floor.  We got all of the materials at
Menards and the whole thing cost us under $70.  Our cage is virtually a
square 2x2x2.5 and not big enough for the ferrets to live/play in now that
we have 6, (our are free roam ferts now, but we keep the cage for when I
have to clean, or we take it with when we travel) but it was extremely
comfortable for the original 2.  The PVC and plexiglass is convenient for
cleaning purposes.  If it gets really messy I can put it under the shower
and hose it down without ruining the cage.  Also if they spill their
water or have an accident outside the litterbox, it's easily washed and
sanitized.  Wood is a very bad material to use for a cage, as it absorbs
liquids and can be a breeding ground for bacteria.
 
Good luck to you!
 
Cynthia and 6 carpet sharks
[Posted in FML issue 3638]