From:
"ytonytcla"
Date: 2010-02-21 22:28:57 UTC
Subject: [ferrethealth] Re: Lighting in the ferret room
To: ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com
--- In ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com, "Zoo" <zoosferretsanctuary@...> wrote:
>
> Too much light is not a good idea for ferrets.
> They need access to darkness that as complete
> as possible for about 14 hours in each 24.
>
> --Moderator]
>
> Our room is filled with bright, natural sunlight.
Ferrets are most closely related to polecats (mustela putorius)
In their natural habitat, as has been mentioned, there is never 100% darkness at night (except in their burrows or dens). In the same way when they are active in daylight there will rarely be full sunlight
living as they do in woodland or semi woodland, hedgerows etc. Their natural waryness re predators will see them keep to relatively covered areas and in the open as lttle as possible.
Given the above then full darkness should be available for when they choose it, usually for sleeping, but not stictly neccessary when they are awake. If a ferret chooses to emerge from its fully dark sleeping pace even at night for a snack, drink and litter box duty then a little natural (not artificial) light should be permissible.
In the UK where working ferrets (adrenal disease rarely seen) are kept outside, the front of their accommodation is not normally covered in good weather so they exposed to normal natural light.
A little common sense is needed. Full darkness available, no disturbance by owners after darkness unless needed for giving meds etc., no artifical light after dusk (including street lighting through windows etc).
This is a big problem for owners who are out all day but want to interact with their ferrets. I sympathise, but please try to be reasonable and don't keep your ferrets up until you go to bed.
I am fortunate being retired and having as much time with my ferrets as they can stand (leaves us alone dad, we played chase three times already).
Tony
Ferrets rule OK. (Well, mine rule me)
[Polecats are crepuscular, meaning most activity in the
low light periods of dusk and dawn, and they use dark burrows
when possible otherwise except when there are food shortages
or bad weather necessitating atypical activity during deep night
or during day. So, they are out in low light periods normally.
They do see well in low light, BTW, and light levels do not affect
touch, smell, hearing, etc.
-- moderator]
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