I do not claim to be an expert on the subject, so my comments will be
brief.

Both steppe polecats and European polecats are listed as being
nocturnal, or mostly nocturnal on Wikipedia.  Additionally, in
searching other sources, polecats in general are said to be nocturnal.
This would lead me to think that long exposure to daylight would not
constitute a natural existence for ferrets.

That said, I provide my ferrets with the ability to be in darkness as
well as in natural light both when they are caged and when they are
loose.  I have multi-level cages, and cover the top level and provide a
light blocking hanging nest box in that level.  Lower levels have more
open bedding.  Outside of the cage I provide both bedding under covered
areas, as well as open bedding.

Some of my ferrets choose to always sleep in the darkest places, and
others choose the open.

I do try to limit their exposure to artificial light as much as
possible, and allow them the chance to have a complete nights worth of
darkness.

-- 
Danee DeVore
International Ferret Congress Health Issues Coordinator
http://www.ferretcongress.org
ADV - If your ferret hasn't been tested, you don't know!
For more information visit: http://www.ferretadv.com
You can help fight ADV!
Visit: http://help4adv.terrabox.com/

[Posted in FML 5397]