How to Make a Ferret Toys Playbox

Ferrets are playful pets. Tunneling, climbing, creeping and jumping are common of a ferret at play. Building a ferret playbox area is similar to setting up a safe zone for a child. Eliminating hazards and filling the area with stimulating toys and activities will make a ferret's play area enticing and safe. Exercise, bonding with humans and a break from their cage are all benefits of allowing a pet ferret to play in a supervised playbox area.

Things You'll Need

  • Outlet covers
  • Bitter spray
  • Outdoor carpeting
  • Blanket
  • Play yard fencing
  • Baby gate
  • Ferret-approved toys
  • Tunnels
  • Plastic cat ball toys
  • Dryer tubing
  • Cat toys on a string
  • Ferret beds
  • Litter box
  • Food bowl
  • Water bowl
  • Ferret treats
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Instructions

    • 1

      Ferret proof an area for the playbox. Choose the corner of a room such as a small bedroom or unused utility room. Cover all outlets with outlet covers. Repair flooring so no loose laminate or baseboards beg for chewing. Treat wall areas with a bitter spray to deter chewing. Cover the floor with a substrate that can be cleaned or removed for cleaning. Use a scrap of outdoor carpeting or an old blanket that can be washed. Erect a dog play yard perimeter of fencing or use a baby gate to block off the entrance of the small room used for ferret play.

    • 2

      Fill the playbox with ferret-approved toys. Choose squeaky rubber or latex toys large enough that they won't pose a choking hazard. Remove any toys that have pieces chewed off.

    • 3

      Add tunnels for exploring. Use ferret-approved extending tubes, or purchase tubing used to vent air from clothes dryers. Place small plastic cat toys in the tunnel for the ferret to nudge with their nose.

    • 4

      Hang cat toys from a string and dangle them into the playbox. Choose feathered toys with jingle bells.

    • 5

      Add spaces for rest. Choose soft, doughnut-shaped cloth beds, raised lounge-style pet beds and pocket-style hideaways. Sleeping and peeking out of the protective cover of a cloth bag is fun for ferrets.

    • 6

      Allow room for movement in the playbox. Don't overstuff the area, causing the ferret stress. (See Reference 1)

    • 7

      Place a small litter pan with biodegradable ferret litter in a corner. Add a small water bowl and food dish to the corner furthest from the litter box.

    • 8

      Maintain the playbox. Clean out the litter box frequently. Wash the substrate often. Rotate toys and activities to give a fresh new feel to the play area. Add new toys as needed. Hide treats throughout the play area for a game of hide and seek.