Dear Everyone,
 
A post in the last issue, from someone moving because her ferret can now
get over the gate, has reminded me of my intention to post on gates and
barricades.  [And I'm sure the person moving has other motivation as well.]
 
At our house we use plexiglass sheets.  They come in a variety of sizes, so
you can choose them according to your ferrets ability to jump, and your own
ability in stepping over them.
 
If I had free roam ferrets and an entry foyer, I'd have a plexi-barrier at
the entrance to the foyer.  And for anyone with moving plans, that seems the
ideal layout to aim for.
 
Fastening the plexiglass can be done a number of ways.  Small strips of
finished wood can be attached vertically to the door molding and the sheet
of plexiglass slipped in and out of it.  We have appliances on either side
of our kitchen door, and these secure our plexiglass.  To insure you won't
blunder into it, run a strip of 2 inch colored vinyl tape along the top
edge.  Plexiglass can also be bowed to fit into a doorway framing, or your
furniture can be moved to provide it with something solid and heavy to slip
behind.
 
Plexiglass also makes a good plant barrier.  It comes in long sheets that
will fit across a corner.  For something really attractive to the ferrets,
like plants, you can add a piece of channel, to firmly anchor the plexi-
glass to the floor.  Home improvement stores carry all the parts and pieces
you will need.  The plexiglass can also be cut at these stores, so take
along the measurements of the area you want to cover.
 
Happy ferretproofing!
 
Georgia
[Posted in FML issue 2167]