Housing.older ferrets

Question
hi my name is karen.  I have 3 older ferrets that I need advice about.  One ferret has a heart issue,one has adrenal disease,the other has an enlarged spleen.  They are being treated by a vet and doing well. All are the age between six to seven years old.   They are in need of a new house to sleep in.  I plan on getting a nice playpen so they can stretch out but need a off the ground house indoors to sleep. I heard that a multi level house is too high for older ferrets. Any suggestions? I love them so much and would like them to br comfortable.  We are getting ready to move from Texas to Colorado whete it is bitter cold.   Thank you for your help. God Bless.. karen

Answer
Hello Karen,

I know exactly what you mean, and I agree that a single floor cage is best for elderly ferrets, especially ones with medical problems.  

I have the two cages to recommend, and I will go over each one for you.  

The first is great if you don't mind big and roomy!  It is a suitable size for three ferrets, with plenty of space to spare.  It is called the "Ferret playpen" by Martin cages. It was first recommended to me by a breeder, and I love it.  The only problem, which is easily remedied, is there is no pan below the cage.  It simply rests on the floor.  A piece of linoleum from a hardware store cut to size solved that nicely.  Luckily, this also makes it very easy to clean!  The cage itself easily folds for storage and hammocks can be arranged for extra sleeping space.  

The top folds back to open the cage, and I put heavy books on it along with the included spring clips when I am not around to ensure there are no escapees.  Even my young ones never got out!  It's a good, sturdy, single level cage for any ferret.  I highly recommend it to anyone looking for this sort of design.  

For more info and ordering information, please check the link below.  It is the last one on the page.  
http://www.martinscages.com/products/cages/ferret/
 
A second cage I recommend is the Midwest Ferret Nation (model number 141 is single level). It definitely has better latches than the Martin Playpen, but honestly either cage would work.  This one is much smaller, but can fit three ferrets well enough, provided they have enough of time during the day to play a bit out of the cage.  It is a VERY solid design and high quality.  You can also purchase an additional unit at any time to add, and have two separate cages on top of each other or have them connected into one gigantic cage.  (If you want to buy this all at once, it is Model Number 142- Midwest Dual Unit Ferret Nation Cage).

The ramp/ extra floor you see in the display image is removable, and if you are looking for a single floor design just take it out.  You could also add a low hammock in for some extra sleep space that your kids can easily get in and out of.  

Info on the Midwest Ferret Nation 141 (single unit design):

http://www.discountpetsuppliesstore.com/servlet/the-349/FERRET,-NATION,-CAGE,-MI...

I currently own both cages, and honestly it depends on how big you want it.   I had the Martin one first, but upon moving into a smaller apartment, I needed something more vertical.  (The Martin cage is big, and great for a large bedroom or living room).  I ended up with the dual cage Midwest Ferret Nation (142) instead and put the playpen folded in my garage.  Both are great and either would suit your needs perfectly.  

I hope this helps!  If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to ask.

-Cindy P.