Message Number: SG4782 | New FHL Archives Search
From: "Mariann"
Date: 2003-06-02 01:36:44 UTC
Subject: Are used ferret cages safe?
To: <ferrethealth@smartgroups.com>
Message-ID: <002701c328a7$6d40d240$8636d550@andromeda>

This is not really a health problem - more like can I
prevent one from developing kind of question.

OK, used ferret cages.

What is the best way to clean them? Just bleach?
Or should one use other things as well? How long
can viruses and such live without a host before dying?

My reason for asking, I have a friend in the US that
just bought a very nice used ferret cage she wants to
send to me and my ferrets in Norway, as a nice surprise
early birthday gift and told me about this yesterday.
And I really want to accept it, since we need a bigger
cage for later this year, but for now I've just told her I
have to think about it before accepting it. She was
somewhat disapointed, but did understand why, after
explaining about the various virus related illnesses that
ferrets can get in the US, and so far, we don't have
them here in Norway to the best of my knowledge.

So, I do NOT want to take any chances with my
ferrets health, and since my friend don't know if there
have been any ill ferrets using this cage, or how long it's
been since there were any ferrets using it for that matter,
I tought I would ask here on tips and hints on how to
make a used cage as good as, or better than new. Or
should I just say thanks, but no thanks, and ask her to
use it as a mega hugs house for her many rats or something?

Any answers would be greatly appreciated.

Mariann (the paranoid? ferret mom)