I'm sure that you will get tons of responses to your outdoor ferrets. Ferrets absolutely need to be kept indoors. Being outdoors makes them more prone to contracting disease from wild animals who might be investigating their cage. They also might freeze to death. They are pretty small animals who can lose body heat very quickly, stop eating and starve to death. Outdoor animals tend not to get the proper attention that they deserve. Even large furry dogs kept outdoors end up suffering from the elements and from lack of companionship from their owners. I know that when it's cold outside that I don't want to go outside and spend time with my only outdoor animal, my duck. I do go out and take care of him and spend time with him, but not like I do in the warmer months. So I would suggest that you find a way to get those precious little ones into the house. The alternative is to find someone who can properly house them. Not to sound mean to you, I know that you need to live under your father's rules, but see if there is some way to convince him that keeping the ferrets outside is cruel. Hope it works out for you. Best wishes from: Julie and the fab four: Poncho, Razz, Mickey and Boo Butt [Posted in FML issue 2490]