Seems I need to make myself a little clearer on what I meant.  I admit I
came across more "assertively" on this issue than I usually do, but damn
it, (oops, there I go again) I have a passion for ferrets and sometimes
this passion comes through a little more aggressively that perhaps some
people like.  And that's okay.
 
Firstly, I am not for one moment condemning people using rice boxes, corn
boxes, styro boxes... or whatever.  I'm glad to hear that they are doing
something.  I have a kinder egg ball that my ferrets enjoy playing in,
and a rolled-up-sock box too.  My point is that ferrets should have the
opportunity to dig in something that is resistant... that mimics the
outdoors... that forces them to use their muscles and give them strength.
After all, we all "know" now that ferrets who have plenty of exercise are
healthier over all and see their vets less often for sicknesses and such.
And since we know that already, and we all love our ferrets, and we want
to do what is best for them, we need to act upon it.  As new information
on ferrets comes out all the time, it is hard sometimes to change our
ways to accommodate an animal.  But, that is the responsibility to took on
when we got them... to keep being informed, and to change with the times.
 
What I am talking about is the idea that muddy ferrets are not bad ferrets
and that they love to dig in wet dirt and wet sand, and for the extra time
it takes me to clean up after them, it is worth it to see the joy in their
eyes, and the dancing, and knowing that I provided some mental and
physical stimulation to their day.
 
My plants are plants in bondage... that means that they are protected by
duct tape and screen mesh to stop them from digging up the plants I do
want in my home that happen to be prime targets for digging bouts.  Since
they love to dig, they get their own dirt.  Since they would go after my
plants after I watered them, I found out quickly they loved wet dirt.
And for me, wet dirt is fun too!  At 40, I'm still a kid at heart, and
although my day is filled, my ferret's mental health and happiness is
worth the little extra work (okay, the major work) of cleaning up after
them.  I took them into my home, and therefore it is my responsibility to
see them happy.  They aren't like my cats, who don't like to be dirty, and
maybe that is why I feel a stronger kinship to the ferrets.  I don't care
about the dirt.  I care about my ferrets.  If you choose not to give them
dirt, then I suggest finding something else that will allow them to expend
their strong desire to dig in something that uses their muscles whilst
giving you peace of mind that they won't make your home a disaster area.
That's the challenge... are you up for it?  Because having nothing to dig
into that offers resistance, just makes the couch and the carpet just
that much more attractive...
 
As the saying goes... you can do something so simple and cheaply now, or
you can go for the big expensive repairs and headaches later... the choice
is yours.
 
betty and her 15 happily diggin' and dirt flyin' blurs o'fur
 
PS To the anonymous poster: Your house sounds like a blast!  If I were a
ferret, I would want to live with you!  Bless you for going the extra mile
especially in a place where ferrets are harshly misjudged!  My hat goes
off to you!
[Posted in FML issue 3766]