From:
yvon358@cs.com
Date: 2002-01-10 04:09:00 UTC
Subject: cages/alternatives
In a message dated 1/9/02 9:11:09 PM Eastern Standard Time,
rvaughn@pobox.com writes:
Take a look at Martin's Cages (www.martinscages.com).
I'd like to offer a suggestion. Unfortunately, it won't help those
of you who've already purchased a cage, however, those in need of
one might find it helpful. I guess indirectly this concerns ferret
health... I've heard of injuries from ferrets falling off the top
floor of their cages or getting their feet stuck in ramps, etc.
Just an idea that's worked for me.... instead of a "ferret cage" I
purchased a dog crate. It's 48"L X 35"H X 29"W. Then, I purchased
1/2" grating and snipped sections to fit all around the inside. I
"zip-tied" them to the walls of the crate. To make a "hidey-hole" I
used one of the mini cat condos (it's covered in carpeting) and
placed it in the back corner. Then I purchased various
baskets/shelves, etc. from Home Depot and zip-tied them to the walls
around the inside of the cage. I put a dog bed on the bottom, hung
a hammock off the shelving, and covered everything w/blankets and
towels.
It's huge, has a variety of levels, and has been a very safe
alternative to a cage that goes straight up. (I've always wondered
why ferret cages go straight up when a ferret naturally wants to
stay low and crawl under things). The dog crates listed on the Pet
Smart website are apx. the same cost as ferret cages. You'll incur
additional costs with the shelving, etc. but I don't recall it
running all that much. In fact, it was pretty cheap. The drawback,
of course, is the floor space it takes up.
Hope this helps. If anyone would like specific details, feel free
to email me privately.
-Y-
yvon358@cs.com