Construction and Installation of Ferret "Good Time" Chase Ball Toy
                        By Edward Lipinski
 
Introduction.  This chase ball toy for ferrets was developed at
F.E.R.R.E.T.S.,NW  by Director Edward Lipinski February 21, 1983 at the
FNW ferret shelter & breeding and birth control station located at 4321
86th Avenue SE, Carol Land, Mercer Island, Washington, 98040-4124.
 
This chase ball toy permits indoor, stimulating exercise for most ferrets
that are exposed to it and can provide both the ferret and the ferret owner
and observers long periods of enjoyable viewing of the ferret's running,
jumping, and rolling activities as it pursues the ball with great vigor and
for surprisingly long periods of time.  This ferret toy allows the ferret
to exhibit its cat-like character.
 
The chase ball is simply suspended from the ceiling so the ball itself
hangs vertically at a distance of 1 to 2 inches above the floor.  In order
to provide the maximum benefit for the ferret and the greatest enjoyment to
the observers, it is recommended that a circular area about 6 feet in
diameter be cleared on the floor directly under the hanging ball.  In this
way the ferret will pursue the ball in a circle at a fast run and will not
encounter obstacles as it chases the ball swinging at the base of the
cone-shaped envelope that the ball and suspension line describe in space.
Prepare yourself for laughter.
 
Construction.  The Ferret "Good Time" Chase Ball Toy is described visually
in the accompanying Figure 1 of the same title.  Its constituent four parts
are identified in this figure.  In the event the Figure 1 is not available
to you, this is a listing of the parts in descending order, starting at the
top.  Screw "eye" hook.  Nylon/cotton line of length adjustable to the
height of the ceiling.  Monofilament fishing line.  Semi-hard rubber ball.
 
              WARNING!
 
  Attachment of monofilament line to
  semi-hard rubber ball is vital to the
  success of this assemblage, since
  incorrect attachment may result in
  lacerations to the muzzle and/or gingiva
  of the ferret.
 
In order to prevent the ferret getting its teeth stuck in the monofilament
fishing line, it is very wise to totally enclose the line internal of the
ball, so that no line is wrapped around the outside of the hard rubber ball
nor extends beneath the ball.  The method of securing the fishing line
internal of the rubber ball so that it cannot be pulled out by the
swinging, twirling ferret is the secret to the success of this toy.
 
Installation.  Once the apex of the activity cone is located at the ceiling
the screw "eye" hook is screwed all the way to the end of its shaft.  For
best results try to screw the hook into a wood rafter or joist behind the
sheet rock in the event this is a "finished" room.  The upper end loop of
the nylon/cotton line is hooked into the "eye" of the ceiling-mounted hook.
Adjust the length of the nylon/cotton line by taking up loops of line and
securing these loops with simple overhand knots so that the ball, when
hanging vertically, is suspended about 1 to 2 inches above the floor level.
Ensure that the ball can be swung in about a 6 foot circle that is not
obstructed by furniture or other objects.
 
Contests of ferret endurance can be run by counting the number of circles
each individual ferret describes as it chases the twirling, spinning ball.
Two or more ferrets, all chasing the ball simultaneously, will likely make
your sides hurt and your eyes bleary, because you'll be laughing so hard
that your eyes will be tearing.  Don't do this if you haven't first gone to
the bathroom!
 
In the event construction of this chase ball toy is not comtemplated by the
ferret owner, who nevertheless would enjoy having one already completed,
please remit $10.00 to the above address and allow 2 weeks for USA delivery
following the clearing of your check.  $10.00 in US Postage stamps will
permit immediate shipment.
 
Truly this is the real "Frettchen~vergnuegen."
 
Yours truly,
Edward Lipinski, the "Originator."
[Posted in FML issue 2710]