From:
"Sukie Crandall"
Date: 2008-08-31 15:28:00 UTC
Subject: [ferrethealth] Re: Need ferret-proofing suggestions....
To: ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com
We had the same problem about a quarter century ago. Back
then we found thatour ferrets avoided high heat, but we still
realized that they might get cut, might go under there and have
the heat come on, and might work on the pipe holes in the wall.
So, we knew there were risks of burns, lacerations, and escape.
Mice were already working from the other side on the apartment
wall. What we did to keep ferrets away and to keep mice out of
our apartment was this:
1. I found a metal working shop. You know, the sort that makes
patterned pieces of metal. Use the Yellow Pages and ask people
in construction if you know any.
2. I went there with the measurements and they cut the sizes
we needed.
3. Then I painted the stripes -- which completely covered the
heaters to match the room.
4. We stuffed steel wool into the mouse holes.
5. After that I attached the metal grills with wire (be sure the wire
is not leaded) and did touch-up painting on the wire. I think the
metal place may have also sold us the wire.
The result was wonderful, completely removed the risk of the
ferrets getting into there. completely ended the mouse problem,
and it was beautiful. We covered the pipes, too, with the grills
going right from the wall and from the floor and then bent around
the edges of the heater. It had a sort of old-world look without
being over-done since it blended in. I guess in a larger place we
could have used a contrasting paint.
CHECK TO SEE IF YOU SHOULD USE A SPECIAL PAINT. I can't recall
the details on that score.
Since then I have heard of people who did similar caging of the
heaters with cage wire.
We have never done it with cage wire, but we do have a little piece
of that which I made for the bottom of our refrigerator. It comes off
for cleaning, but keeps the ferrets out so they are safe, and it lets the
appliance have the ventilation it needs for performance and
safety.
OH, AND ALSO ***IMPORTANT*** IS TO RUN ANY POSSIBLE SOLUTION
PAST YOUR TOWN FIRE MARSHALL BEFOREHAND.
Ferret proofing to protect their health can sure get complicated,
can't it?
Sukie (not a vet)
Recommended ferret health links:
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/ferrethealth/
http://ferrethealth.org/archive/
http://www.afip.org/ferrets/index.html
http://www.miamiferret.org/fhc/
http://www.ferretcongress.org/
http://www.trifl.org/index.shtml
http://homepage.mac.com/sukie/sukiesferretlinks.html
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