Perhaps I'm more adamant about run time because I've seen the frantic
wide-eyed look of a ferret wanting out of it's cage or the sad depressed
look that signals painful acceptance of being ignored.  However, ferrets are
a high energy animal and keeping them caged does not give them time to
release that energy.  Even in a shelter environment ferrets should be
allowed out-of-cage time on a daily basis.  If ferrets do not get along with
other ferrets then perhaps partitioning off rooms will work.  Be sure to
include play things such as tubes and toys and sacks to keep them amused.
And don't forget the most important part - human interaction.
 
Even when ferrets do not get along with other ferrets they can still be
out in the same room.  The trick is to make sure the ones that are out are
the ones that won't pick on others.  If they run into each other their might
be a shreik and a jump and sometimes a lunge but other than that they try to
avoid each other.  Making sure there are plenty of separate places to go
helps.
 
For the assertive ferrets they can have their own playtime.
 
When you walk into a dog/cat pound and see a ferret stuck in a cage does
your heart ache too?  Isn't this one of the things that is suppose to make
ferret shelters different - not keeping ferrets caged 24/7, positive human
interaction, personal care?
 
Socializing ferrets makes a more mannerly ferret companion for some one and
spending time with the ferret allows you to properly evaluate them for any
behavorial problems.  Out of cage time also allows them to get rid of the
pent up energy from being caged for a prolonged period of time.  Ferrets
that are caged for prolonged periods can become nippy, play rough, fuss with
each other or others when finally let out or they can become depressed and
sick.  These ferrets may end up in your shelter again or be tossed from home
to home or worse.  Think about it.
 
I stand fast on the need for ferret/human stimulation/interaction and that
ferrets should be out of cages for several hours every day.  Ferrets need
and crave and deserve it.  And the love and joy they return is payment
enough.  For each of you that keep your ferrets caged for prolonged times,
you are not only hurting your ferrets but you are hurting me and others as
well.
 
The ferrets that share my home are free roam.  However, I have 2 rooms
that can be partitioned off if I need to place a special ferret(s) there.
Each room has ferret toys and beds set up ready for residence.
 
Where there is a will, there is a way.
 
Prolonged cage time = mental anquish for the ferret.
 
Hugs to all. tle
[Posted in FML issue 2377]