Litterbox Woes

Question
First off, pardon if this has already been asked. I adopted a male kit who was born on 4-19-07. Yes, I realize how young he is, and how he will still be likened to a rather furry baby. In purchasing his cage, it slipped my mind to get anything for the bottom of it. It has a hard plastic, not wire bottom. Macky appreciates it :) I want to know what to put in the bottom of the cage to discourage defecation in any other corners besides his litter pan.

Also, Macky loathes the thought of being alone. What can I do to provide comfort to him in his home? I do not trust my family to play with him right now, as he is small, and they have Yorkshire terriers, and cats. My little weasel-beast is much too small and precious to wind up a chew toy.
Many Thanks,

Colin & Macky

Answer
Hi Colin:

Congratulations on your new baby!  He doesn't like being alone because ferrets are very social critters and he wants to be with you or a little friend - not alone.  Hopefully you do get him out 3-4 hours a day and play with him in a 'safe' room, such as your bedroom with the door closed, or some other place where the dogs can't get to him?  He NEEDS this desperately, so please don't skip a day.  Other than that, the other option is to get another ferret...which many people believe is the best way to have ferrets since they really don't like being alone. You either have to be his buddy as much as possible, or get another ferret to keep him company and put lots of safe toys in the cage for him - that will help some also. Two ferrets really aren't any more work than one :-)  If you do get another one, be sure to take Macky with you to help pick out someone HE likes, as ferrets have definite favorites and won't get along with some ferrets while he will love others.

By the way, plastic bottom is excellent!  Never let your ferret walk on wire floors, as it may injure them severely.  Plastic floors are easy to clean and excellent!

About the mess around the litterbox....hopefully you have either Yesterday's News or some NON-CLUMPING regular clay type cat litter in the litterbox; put a poop in the box so he understands that's where it goes, then put some of your pajamas, soft blankets or other nice soft bedding all around everyplace except the litterbox - he won't poop on  his bedding, his food or his toys.  So, that should be an easy one to fix.  When he is out of the cage, it's best to start him in a small area like a bathroom that has a litterbox in it.  Especially just a few minutes after he wakes up to play, keep putting him in the litterbox (they usually go shortly after waking up) and when he finally uses it, say "good boy!!!" and maybe give him a little Ferretone as a treat (note: never give him fruits, vegetables OR any dried fruits or vegetables - only kibbled treats are acceptable).  After he gets really good at using the litterbox while playing in the bathroom (probably a few days), then you can move to your bedroom (after you have ferretproofed it, of course) and put at least TWO litterboxes in the room - do the same thing, put him in the box a few times until he goes, then reward him.  Soon, he will be so he can play in the house (or whatever rooms you decide are safe from the dogs) and will use a litterbox regularly.  Many people say they can't get their ferrets litterbox trained, but it really matters how consistent you are in training him and providing enough litterboxes in his play area and reminding him while he's a baby that he is supposed to potty in there.

Hope that helps!

Sincerely,

Jacquie Rodgers