Kelleen -
That is fine for someone who can stay home, if I was home daily, I might re
think my opinion on this issue.  However, I don t have that luxury, I have
to work outside of home (All those darn vet bills :-}).  I m not really sure
why this issue struck a nerve with you.  I specifically commented that the
two times ferrets should be resricted is when you are not at home, and night
time.  I was not attacking anyone, only giving an example of my personal
situation.  I work 9-10 hours a day, and sleep 6-7.  The other 7-8 hours is
spread out in the mornings and evenings, and the ferrets are all happily
playing in one or two good size bedrooms of our house, complete with loads
of hidey holes, tunnels, toys, garbage cans, blankets, beds, and even a
swimming pool.  Those who work can give ferrets a great life just as well as
someone who stay s home(or works from home).
 
There are too many ferrets out there who are virtually ignored, or worse
yet, severely abused.  No one on this board should place judgement on others
as to wether or not you should cage your ferrets.  You can read the posts of
everyone here to see that we all love and treat our ferrets better than some
people treat their children.  If I came out as sounding judgemental in my
post, I apologize, it was not my intent.  My intent as stated, is to
hopefully get people to think about these issues.
 
Also, fire is a pretty big IF.  IF, God forbid your house caught on fire, I
am telling you it spreads so fast, after your smoke detectors go off,
depending on the blaze, and your house, you will have less than five minutes
before your home fills with enough poisonous smoke to make locating all 18,
scared and possibly unconscious ferrets nearly impossible.  You will barely
have enough time to get out of your home alive, much less your ferrets.  My
brother in law s home caught on fire when a fuse short circuited.  The house
was fully involved within 11 minutes.
 
This is why it is important to have a fire escape plan in place, and always
be ready to get up and go in a monents notice.
 
What is the difference between your ferrets sleeping all over the house, and
restricting bed time to even one bedroom?  Ferrets love to sleep almost as
much as they love to play, I m sure they would forgive you for a little
restriction.
 
Adrienne Williams
[Posted in FML issue 1594]