Reply

I see no reason for the ferrets to not have an outside run for the spring, summer and early fall as long as it is very secure and well-roofed. A good lock is a must to prevent theft, though. Purebred stud cats are kept in outside housing during the warmer months of the year (like ferrets, scent can be problematic!) and theft has not been a problem for the breeders that I know. These cats are worth a couple of thousand dollars (or more!) each depending on their pedigree and championship status. Add to that, the value of their companion animals and you have a fair dollar value in outside homes! Is your yard private? That would be my first concern because most thefts are opportunistic. Other than that, look at the designs of places like the Kamloops Wildlife Park for housing ideas as that is what the cat enclosures reminded me of. Good luck!

Reply

Here is a picture of the juvenile burrowing owl holding facility at the wildlife park (part of the re-introduction of burrowing owls to the area, these owls are released into the wild when mature enough to have a chance!):

Reply

oooooooooooh that gives me an even better idea for there new home. the last one we had was very large 5 storys high, but our fiona is fat and she had a hard time going up and down.that picture you sent gives me a good idea. i'm so glad my husband can build things!!! i want to put it on the porch if it is possible that way i can keep my eye on them, i will definatly get a good lock and key for them. but i am planning on useing chicken wire unless maybe you know a better material that would be harder to brake into??? i would like them outside more because they do destroy things and are very, very smelly, plus i think they would like it outside on the fresh air. they love their walks and are always smelling everything. thank you for the idea i will check out that site. julia

Reply

What they use in Kamloops is similar to chicken wire, but stronger and more durable - more like chain link fencing on a small scale. I believe that the material is some form of 'hardware cloth' which is available at building supplie stores (and Home Depot). I think that your ferrets would be very happy in an outdoors home!

Reply

great i will definatly look into the home depot. thank you for your help.  julia

Reply

I think putting your ferrets outside is a bad idea. Only because you have to be very very careful of the materials you use when making your cage. You cant use chicken wire because if your ferrets try to climb it and then lick their paws they could get sick from the metals on it and also cats, owls and other preditor birds could agravate them when you are not home. if you are looking for a great indor cage there is one at ferretdepot.com by ferretnation. i bought it for my four ferrets and they love it in there

Reply

Having an outdoor cage (or run) for ferrets is not really any different from having an outdoor run for cats. If built properly, with consideration of risk factors, the benefits would far outweigh the risks. Cat breeders keep their stud males in outdoor accomodations during the warmer months of the year, and believe me, they are very careful about the health and safety of their animals! As is the Kamloops wildlife park...... Here is an image of one such outdoor accomodation for cats (note how it blends into the rest of the back garden which is fenced and secure):

Reply

The description of the cat runs from the Ruddicat's web page (Pepper's breeder!) and the reason they have outdoor runs: We currently have two stud cats. Since they are very smelly they are limited to certain areas in the home. During the warm spring and summer days they spend time in their outside runs in the garden. These are large runs with toys, climbing trees, and older companion cats. They are nestled in an established English garden with full view of a Koi Pond and the antics of our crazy fox terrier, Kasper. This gives them and the other older cats a chance to get out of the house and play with bugs and enjoy the sun but still remain safe from possible outdoor perils such as cars, coyotes and theft. I think that the same logic could be applied to ferrets....?

Reply

HEY THERE, WE MAY NOT NEED TO BUILD OUR BABIES A NEW HOME. MY MOM IS KEEPING THE TWO BOYS AND I MAY HAVE FOUND A GREAT HOME FOR THE GIRLS (I WILL MISS THEM THOUGH). THANK YOU FOR ALL THE INFO, JULIA WELCOME TO PETSMO COOPER!!! I E-MAILED YOU

Reply

hi sorry to burst your bubble but if ferrets are given an outside run they think their in the wild and they will get out trust me my male albino(sausage)got out twice before i took down the run and attacked a dog.he never bit ever(but their naturaul instinct takes over, so please dont build an outside run.

Reply

here is an image of the cage my husband built for my guys. I would lke to caution you about leaving your ferrets outside. They can get heat stroke very very quickly If you get extreme weathter where you are (hot more so then cold) then they need to be in the house. I live on vancouver Island in the rain forest and in this climate the ferrets could be outside for most of the year but I still perfer to keep them in the house.

Reply

i sugesed you dont make a run but a hutch a big one if you want my rabbit had little white box with a whole in it for her to going inside of it so the hutch was not only fenced and roofed she had a warm place to stay when nights were ruff

Reply

WOAH BACK UP jusy read the news getting rid of them ???? arent you sad ?

Reply

We are also going to build an outside area for our ferrets. Just so they can run around for awhile. I am having trouble finding how to build something for them. Was wondering if you know where to start my search. Sylvia