At 28 Oct 1997 16:39:33 +1300 Sarah Milloy <[log in to unmask]> wrote: >I was wondering if anyone had any advice on whether or not a rabbit hutch >is big enough for two ferrets to live in. I've read in lots of places that >a cage about the size of a rabbit hutch can fit two or even three ferrets, >but my dad doesn't think so. This is an open invitation for opinions so realize that you will probably get wildly different answers. My own opinion is that you would do better with a larger cage. I use a "rabbit cage" that is about 30 inch long, 21 in. wide and 18 in. high when one of ours gets sick and needs isolating. A small litter box, food and water, and a small sleeping box with bedding just about fills it. If you intend letting the two of them out a lot (at least a couple of hours a day), then it may be adequate for two as they will only be sleeping and eating in it. However, I would suggest getting a second cage, the same size as you already have. Use wire or clips to attach it to the top of the existing cage. Cut an adjoining hole about 4 in. x 4 in. near the side in the floor/ceiling where the two join. Make a ramp so they can get from the bottom cage to the top one. Put all the bedding and toys up top. Put all the litter box and food down below. Two should be very happy and you will have room to add another later if you wish. >My ferret's a male, so what sex is best? (he's been neutered). I don't think it will matter as long as both are neutered. I've always had about two weeks of agressive behavior before the newcomer is accepted and settles in. If you decide on the "two cage" idea suggested, then initially you can put one in each cage and let them play together when they are out. After a week or so they will then settle down and you can join up the cages. HOWEVER, remember I'm keeping ferrets in the U.S.A. and those in New Zealand may be more or less agressive. You may do better to seek information from someone in New Zealand. (I once had a well informed reply about ferrets via the FML from a: "S Young <[log in to unmask]>" Maybe you could try sending him e-mail direct.) >Also, everyone here seems to have great toy ideas for there ferrets, so I >was wondering how do you make those hammocks - do they make good beds, or >do you just hang them in the cage? Yes, they love 'em. Just hang them in the cage and they sleep in them. Get some tough material that doesn't have frayed edges etc. which they might eat. Something like old, soft jeans is about right. When finished it needs to be about 12 in. x 15 in. I like to hem the edges to hide anything that might fray so it needs to start out a bit larger. I use a riveter such as is used to put rivets in a tarpaulin or sail. One rivet in each corner and then tie the corners to the cage using a strong, non fray, cord. [Posted in FML issue 2108]