I can't believe anyone would flame you for what you're trying to do. You definitely want them to play, and you said it was only temporary. I adopted my first ferret when I lived in a 300 sq ft apartment, so maybe I just get it. How big is your space, and why can't you ferret-proof? When I rented, I didn't do much ferret-proofing anyway other than to buy a baby gate and get cabinet door locks. If you tell me the issues, I might be able to figure out a landlord-friendly way to keep them safe. My fiance's a landlord, and I've working in apartment management for the last four years. I'm guessing you're getting the Marshall playpen for them. If so, I have a great toy idea for it. http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=ferret+tornado I have this ferret tornado, and it has entrances on the bottom. Unless you have a really naughty ferret, no one will bother climbing outside the tubes to escape the playpen. My kids have this tornado, and they go crazy for it. You might not be able to have a rice box, but you can probably manage a paper dig box. Just get a cardboard box from any store (just ask when they get stock in) and fill it with crumpled newspapers or shredded paper (when I had a job, I used to bring home shredded paper from work once in a while). It's a mess, but the whole thing is recyclable when they lose interest, so it doesn't waste space. If you're allowed to hang things on the wall, I have more ideas for you. Just email me, and we'll figure out the best environment for your kids. Natalie Fontane [Posted in FML 7477]