From:
"Tressie"
Date: 2009-03-09 01:29:23 UTC
Subject: [ferrethealth] Re: doing darkness
To: ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com
I agree that completely covering their cages over would eliminate air circulation. Mine are only covered over the top level, that is, the sleeping quarters area. Food and water dishes in the middle level. The litter boxes are located on the bottom level.
I never close the door to the ferret room. There is a swing gate tall enough they can't climb over, but open on top, which I latch when not home. Plenty of air circulation in their room.
I suppose an ideal environment, which would be considered extreme for the average person - would be a system of subterranean tunnels, much like those provided for the Black-Footed Ferrets at the conservation stations. Everybody's favourite web family were in complete darkness within the nest box, we could watch them because of the infra-red lighting.
I know of at least two veterinarians who provide a darkened environment for their fuzzies, that is also temperature controlled to be cooler than humans prefer.
Common sense is to replicate the natural environment as much as possible within reason and human convenience - in a way that is safe and healthy for the ferrets. I am not inconvenienced in the least by the cooler environment or the low lighting.
I wasn't giving advice as much as describing the environment I provide for my ferrets to show that it is possible to provide a dark, cool and safe environment year round.
Tressie
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