Recommendations for ferret scratching

Question
I was wondering if you perhaps recommended getting a cat scratching post for ferrets? I have a year old ferret and have just introduced two baby kits too. I thought it would help their natural instinct to dig and help file their nails, as well as keep them away from my carpets.Do you think they would take to a scratching post though?
Thanks.  

Answer
I've never used a scratching post or anything similar for my ferrets.  It is, however, necessary to trim ferret toe nails about every 10 days or so to keep them from catching on things. I've heard horror stories of ferrets even pulling toes off after getting a nail caught in bedding and frantically trying to get loose, so it's very important to keep those nails trimmed close.

I use people nail trimmers for my kids.  Lay them on their backs on your lap and dribble some Ferretone on his/her belly, then while they are busy lapping up the Ferretone, you go to work and snip those nails.  You want to watch for the vein that runs inside the nail and be sure not to cut into that, but clip as close as you can, removing the curved part of the nails especially.  Sometimes I have to put more Ferretone on the tummy two or three times before I can get finished with one ferret's nails being cut - depending on how cooperative they are.  Usually the ferretone is enough to keep them occupied and as long as you don't cut into that little vein, it should go pretty uneventful.  In the rare case you should cause a nail to bleed, you should have some cornstarch handy and just stick their little foot in the cornstarch, which will clot the blood (styptic powder or pencil also works if you have it). But do keep an eye on it, just to be sure.  Hopefully you will clip very carefully and never need it - better for the ferret and easier for you because they will remember and it will forever be difficult to cut their nails if it is a traumatic experience for them. I usually sing to my kids to try to relax them while I'm trimming those nails.

Also, you may want to consider giving them a digging box for that digging instinct.  Lots of folks use rice (not instant). Buy it by the bulk bag, 40 lbs or so and put it in a child's swimming pool or large tub, the ferrets will dig like crazy.  I've also heard of making dig boxes with children's play sand (get at Lowes or Home Depot or similar place).....better than dirt from outside so you don't bring anything unwanted into your home.  But you have to keep it dampened or they can really raise a cloud of dust when they are digging! LOL  The sand is excellent for their digging instincts, but may or may not stop them from digging carpet if they are already in the habit.  You can purchase clear plastic carpet runners to place over their favorite places to dig the carpet to help save the carpet - they will usually leave it alone once it's covered up.  

Thanks for the question.  Hope that helps give you some ideas.  Best of luck with your new kits and your precious little one!  It sounds like fun at your house :-)