I don't know much about how it affects body tone but I know my caged guys
get out for the most part every time they ask me.  First thing in the
morning after using the litterbox and in the evening after dinner are
mandatory but everything in between is whenever they ask me because I don't
want to interrupt their sleep.  By asking I mean...I don't know if anyone
else's ferrie's do this but mine do....they dig the cage, look at you a
certain way, or even resort to fighting if you do not let them out during
the day.  (But then in my house, the ferrie's are not the only ones who
communicate by body language so do my cats, dogs, and birds for things
they want.)  Basically since I have their cage located where I can see
them almost all the time all I have to do is listen or glance over and
see if they're ready to come out and play.  For the most part I grant
their wishes unless I am doing something that they can't possibly join in
on.  Then they have to wait no matter how badly they!  want out but I do
a minimum of 4 or more hours a day no matter what.
 
Sometimes Cyrano is sooo insistant on coming out right that instant he will
beat up poor Merlin until they're let out and making poor Merlin cry.  I'm
probably promoting bad behavior but it's the only way to get him to let up
on poor Merlin.
 
As for free roam.  I wouldn't mind but when they're too quiet it makes me
nervous and I always have to go looking for them.  Besides I like KNOWING
where they are at all times especially now that Summer vacation is here.
Better safe than sorry I guess.
 
Faith
[Posted in FML issue 3457]