This is my first posting to the FML and thanks are in order as my husband
Dirk and I have enjoyed reading and learning from everyone's
experiences.  (our sympathy goes out to you, Tarra)  We have two
boys, Phantom and Bandit.  We got them at 7 weeks old (from a pet
store--they are MF ferrets--we didn't have a clue). They have stolen our
hearts and get cuter everyday.  They are now 15 weeks old and we are
in need of help with litter box training.  We have read the Ferret FAQ and
think we are doing things right...but to no avail.
 
Up until two weeks ago, they were housed in our half bathroom.  They
seemed to be doing well on their litter training (but then, the room was
very small).  We blocked off an area in the hallway for expanded play
area (supervised) and of course some mistakes occurred, but they did
seem to be progressing.  However, the usual ferret hijinks began as they
became more coordinated.  Keeping them contained was difficult (as you
all know) and when they learned how to open the cupboards we knew it
was time for a better place.  We invested in a large portable cage (we
wish we had seen the one with the rollers on the bottom--as this is
about the same size!) and moved them into our spare room.
 
We've had fun making hammocks, etc.  and are figuring out how to put a
second story in it.  They use the litter box in the cage just fine.  However,
when we let them out to play,  their litter training goes to naught.
Because the room isn't huge we are trying to teach them to use the box
in their cage when they are in that room.  Their cage door is open and
they often run in for drinks, food, a toy, etc.  They will go in the litter box
when prompted (putting them next to or in the litter box) but sometimes
they just seem to fake it and then go when they are outside the cage.
We are rewarding them when they make the right decision and taking
away play time (in another small cage) when they blow it.  But they just
don't seem to get it.  This morning, immediately upon opening the cage
and getting his cuddle, Phantom ran to the corner by the door and let
loose.  <sigh>  How long does litter training take?  Any better
suggestions?
 
Thanks,
 
Leslie, Phantom, and Bandit
[Posted in FML issue 1038]