Brian, it's great that you seem to be planning ahead. Ferrets present a challenge even if you only let them out a couple of hours a day. I have always let my critters roam the apt even when I am gone. Ferret-proofing a room, apt., or house is no easy task I imagine rooms and apts. usually present less challenges than an entire house. If you search the ferret databases I am sure you will find many informative and resourceful ways one can accomplish this. Even so, here are some general rules you may find helpful: 1) Never underestimate the determination of a ferret. When blocking accesses use industrial strength methods, not flimsy tape or other substandard medium. 2) Never underestimate the ingenuity of a NEW ferret. Even though your room may have been sufficiently protected for your existing ferrets, new additions sometimes find a new way or place to go. It is a good idea to always treat new additions like a completely new ball park, supervising new additions for extended periods prior to free roaming. 3) Never underestimate the speed of a ferret. Sometimes, temporary situations like unwrapping items, filling the tub or pail, some minor home improvement, or that one time you don't put down the toilet lid or close the window or door is all it takes to end in irrevocable tragedy. Nails, tacks, pins, plastic bits, chemicals, etc., often find their way down an unknowing ferret with untoward results. 4) Never underestimate the fearlessness of ferrets. Perhaps more ferrets die from being crushed than from any other cause or disease. Shoes and ferrets do not get along [at least when they are worn]. Couches, chairs, bedding, the rumpled shirt or blouse on the floor, can all be potential death traps. 5) Never underestimate the flexibility of a ferret. Ferrets are amazing creatures. They seem to share the physical abilities of a cockroach, squeezing through seemingly impossible avenues of destruction. When judging whether a hole or access is large enough to protect, measure your ferret, then divide by TWO. 6) Finally, Never put aside these rules for any reason. Vigilence and consistencey pays, complacency costs. I hope this helps. Above all, rule #6 has help me avoid tragedies throughout the years. best wishes alphachi [Posted in FML issue 1847]