how big is too big of cage

Question
ok so i have two beautiful girls, and I dont like the size of their current cage.  I want to put them into a cage my husband build for finches, It is 5ft long 5 ft tall and 4 ft wide, he is afraid they may fall off one of the many ledges put in there for them. I am not sure on what to do, i really think they would enojoy it, I can put carpet down if needed. Let me know what you think. Jennifer

Answer
Hi Jennifer:

Wow, that's a nice big cage to run around in!  From my observance of ferrets over the years, I think for the most part they don't tend to play that much in a cage even if it's huge - they want out of the cage to play with the humans.  If you already have the cage, though, and want to give it a try, I think it's a great idea. Think of all the stuff you could put in there! It could be like Disneyland for ferrets! LOL

One recommendation I would make is to put a shelf or strategically placed second level halfway up so they can't fall more than 2-ft or so.  Even tho they are slinky and like cats in some ways, they don't land on their feet and some ferrets can actuallly be somewhat clumsy, especially if they are older or overweight. You could even put the shelf on only half of the cage and leave the other half open, but you do run the risk of them climbing and falling - that's the only thing that does concern me.  My hubby built a cage for my ferrets and it's made from vertically placed dowels. They can't climb at all. The cage is beautiful and is still in my livingroom, but since I don't spend much time in that room nowadays, they have free roam in this room instead of being caged. I have a small portion of the room set up like ferret Disneyland for them and they really do love it. They would ALWAYS rather be near their person than in a fancy cage:

                  [IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v480/jumpingmouse/KidsPlayhouse.jpg[/IMG]

Best of luck with your kids and their new cage. Remember, the thrift stores are the BEST place to pick up toys for your kids. Be sure they are free of any soft plastic or foam parts; everything needs to be hard plastic - Fisher-Price toys are awesome. My kids LOVE toys that make noise, make music or animal sounds. I get them at the thrift store, bring home and wash in mild bleach (2-tblsp bleach to a gallon water), completely dry, then put batteries in and let the kids at 'em. I've seen dozens of the orange/purple 'tent' toy in the pix for about $2 - it makes sounds and music and the kids love to lounge on the top of it and underneath there is a tub of rice to dig in (doesn't show in the picture); the two yellow round toys with lights and music are also favorites. One they actually put their heads INSIDE to press the button and it plays music and the buttons light up around their head - they usually keep their heads inside while the song plays and the lights are going - sooo cute to watch! I'm amazed at the things they learn to do as far as triggering toys to 'go' when they have the opportunity and are shown how the toys work a few times.  You will also notice in the picture a ramp that goes up the side of the bed and a leopard pattern tunnel that they can go up and down to and from the bed. What fun chasing up and down!!  Hopefully my pix will give some ideas to others -

Enjoy those precious little ones ~ it was great to hear from you!

Jacquie Rodgers