Litter training

Question
Greetings,

My husband and I recently adopted 2 ferrets. They are so sweet and fun and we just love them. One is about 6 months old and the other is about a year, they are both girls. The previous owner gave us their cage, which is a very tall and wide cage, and 2 corner litter boxes.

The problem that I am having with litter training is that they "go potty" from the shelf located above the litter box. We have tried 3 different types of litter: gray flush-able pellets, fluffy recycled newspaper, and the corn based litter. They will move the litter boxes and go behind them sometimes too.

I don't know what to do. We don't want them mucking up the play area when there is no one home to move it to the litter box. Should we remove the shelves and limit the play area within the cage? Letting them out to play when the potty in the box? I bought a large under bed storage container. It fits in the space between the old litter pans, but takes up twice the space on the floor. They are used to using both corners so I wanted to make sure it would cover both. I am going to cut it down and try it out, but any suggestions are welcome. I know the process can be long and they will never always use the box, so I don't want to confuse them too much by changing those things around a bunch.

Thanks for your time,

Meranda

Answer
Hello Antonette,

Oh boy, litter training can be a nightmare. It is one of the topics we see most on this site.  

The best way is to reinforce good behavior.  Before you let your ferrets play, place them in the litter box and make sure they go!  They will undoubtedly try to get out, but keep putting them back until the deed is done.  Once complete, reward them with praise and treats.  Keep this up until they use the box more consistently.  Be aware that very few ferrets are 100% litter trained!  If they make 75% of the time, you are doing better than most.  also, keep your eye out 4-6 hours after the deed!  They should be fully reloaded about then.  

Clean any soiled areas with pet safe cleaner.  (never use Lysol or any harsh home cleaning product.  These are VERY dangerous!!)  They may smell their own waste in those areas which cause a repeat in behavior.  I recommend Nature's Miracle.  It is pet-safe and uses enzymes to eliminate the odors.  There is a ferret specific one, but I think it is pretty much the same as the multi-purpose pet version.  It is available in most pet stores.  

http://www.naturemakesitwork.com/home/index.php

Since you have switch to various brands of litter, I am doubting that is the problem.  There is one last thing I have in mind.  Have you tried folded newspaper instead of pelleted litter?  It works just as well and you can fold it to the size of the box and it is very absorbent.  I've completely converted to just a litter box with newspaper and it suits me fine =)  I got the idea from working in a local ferret shelter for many years.

As far as the cage, you could either remove the middle floor or place a litter pan there.  It would be best to cut linoleum to size and secure it with zip ties. It might be best to line the entire floor of the age cage with linoleum since it is easy to clean and will help protect little ferret feet from hard metal bars.  Also, try securing the litter pans with ties as well.  This way they cannot move them easily.  

Another idea is to revamp the play room.  I changed the carpet to linoleum flooring years ago and it saved me a plenty of hassle.  In several corners I have a litter box with newspaper both inside and along each border.  I have noticed my kids are good about using the box provided I change the paper daily.  If I let it go any longer, they will unload next to it on the newspaper.  The linoleum also makes cleaning a breeze since I can disinfect it directly.  Also, I can allow them free roam 24-7.  This way they have plenty of playtime and I do not have to be overly concerned of a mess.  

I hope this helps answer your question!  Please let me know if I can help in any other way!

-Cindy P.