(Part 2) Best products from r/ferrets

I would recommend a cage that is both long and wide rather than tall. While tall is nice so that they can have fun climbing, it is more important that they have wiggle and walking room. A cage with a larger area per floor will allow a lot more room to run, stretch, and play.

The best cages to buy are the ferret/critter nation cages. They are wide and long which allows plenty of room. If you're on a budget, a single layer will cost you about $150-$200, but it's well worth it. It comes with a base floor for your fuzzbutts along with a shelf for them to climb onto. Here's a link to it on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Critter-Nation-Single-Unit-Stand/dp/B0085W9CL8/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1410383879&sr=8-3&keywords=critter+nation

If you have a bit more money to spend, I recommend going with the same thing, but the two layer cage. This will give them double the play room and satisfy their need to climb and explore. It's also not too tall, so you don't have to worry about them falling/jumping off. Here's a link to that one.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001NJ0DAY/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I, myself, purchased the double layer cage along with an extra "attachment" layer on the top. I dedicated the bottom cage to pooping/eating, the middle layer to playing, and the top to sleeping. It takes up a good amount of space in my room (being a bit over 7 feet tall with all three layers), but my three carpet sharks love it, and it's got the durability to last you a lifetime. (:

I hope I've helped! Let me know if you have any more questions or concerns, and I would be happy to help the best I can!

Proper diet is crucial. Raw is the best but many ferrets are on kibble. With the exception of Wysong, ferret kibbles are no good. Many cat kibbles with the exception of a few are unacceptable as well. Stay away from Ferret brands like Marshalls, Mazuri, Dr Foster Smith, 8 in 1, Kaytee, Wild Harvest, Totally ferret, Zupreem, Dumor, along with anything that has rice, corn, wheat, barley, molasses. (I would name cat brands too, but again most of them are unacceptable to give. The major ones being Purina, Iams, and Meow Mix, Hills, Whiskas, these aren't even good for cats.) Ferrets are obligate carnivores which means they literally cannot digest or process anything other than raw meat organs and bones. Anything else that is or contains fruit vegetables salt sugar nuts dairy or carb of any kind especially rice, corn, or wheat is detrimental to their health. The absolute worse is anything with corn, rice, wheat, barley, molasses, potatoes or peas especially within the first few ingredients. Ferrets little bodies have to work so hard just process it. Raw is the best thing you can give, but lets stick to kibbles. When switching Kibbles ferrets need to be transitioned gradually to do so do a 1 to 4 ratio of new food too old and increase as you see fit. My boys were off Marshalls and on Wysong within 10 days. Please feel free to message me with any questions!

This new chart now contains totally ferret, I strongly recommend not using it due to rice being the third ingredient. It should only be used if absolutely necessary only if they have IBD or other food allergies.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vTvMXyhwVBu5TLnYSvGhqJqr_vE_-x_1BADF7dPwatwlB9l--m02ZN23FqvPNqp3v-n5cJyOuSssVfn/pub

Ferrets are very expensive family members, if you haven't already, start saving up now in case there's ever an emergency which there likely will be sometime in their life. It's important that you have a ferret knowledgeable vet, having an exotic vet is the bare minimum, often it's hard to find a good vet. Networking online is the best thing to do when trying to find a specialist near you.

Ferrets are very social creatures who develop close relationships with their humans. It is important they have companionship when your not around. They can even die from depression caused from loneliness. Ferrets THRIVE with a friend (or 2, or more!). When your not around you don't have to worry about your baby being home alone and lonely. There are also so many things a human can't do that another ferret can. You can never wrestle with them, chase them through tubes, or cuddle with them in a hammock. They live longer, happier, healthier lives with a buddy.

It's ideal if you can let ferrets free roam. Even if it's just a room (with time out of that room as well) If you must cage for part of the day the best cage is a Ferret Nation or Critter Nation. Anything smaller is just not enough room. They really need at least 2 solid floors to be able to stretch out on and relax on without fear of falling. Cages with just a bottom floor and floor panels not only do not have enough room, but are dangerous as a ferret could fall from the top to the bottom and break bones. Here, is the best cage you can get. It is well made, safe, easy to clean, and is the only cage on the market that's adequate amount of space.
https://www.amazon.com/MidWest-182-leak-Proof-Shelves-Measures/dp/B0054U8UGW/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1538709394&sr=8-2-spons&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=ferret+nation+cage&psc=1

there’s also different clear gates you can use to section off places or can even be put around a cage...

https://www.clearlylovedpets.com/dog-pens/

As for treats, raw meats, free dried treats, raw egg or just the yolks, or supplements such as salmon oil or Pickled Ferret Juice. Stay away from store bought supplements like ferretone, ferretive, ferretlax, ferrevite, they are all junk, salt, sugar, and bht a cancer causing preservative. There are some good freeze dried raw, I grind it up and make it into soupies...

https://www.chewy.com/stella-chewys-chick-chick-chicken/dp/129980?utm_source=google-product&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=f&utm_content=Stella%20%26%20Chewy%27s&utm_term=&gclid=Cj0KCQjwtb_bBRCFARIsAO5fVvHe0TNfR1DlRu3orbYpqRy1kmq_kdrGzy0-2GbOusCdOEdXzMf4JYgaAlr9EALw_wcB

Pickled Ferret Juice.

http://etsy.me/2AiWUyz

Salmon oil

https://www.amazon.com/Grizzly-Salmon-Oil-Supplement-Healthy/dp/B00WRAZ4CK/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1509819415&sr=8-13&keywords=grizzly+salmon+oil

No water bottles. Water bottles are intended for rodents. When ferrets are forced to chew on a metal rod they struggle just to get a drop and does permanent damage to their teeth. Like cats and dogs ferrets are naturally supposed to lap their water, and receive 60% more water intake when they are able to. Instead get a HEAVY bowl or one that can latch on to their cage.

Also no shredded bedding like you see them in at the petstore. Ferrets are prone to respiratory illness, the dust from those types of beddings can irritate their lungs and cause infection, also it can be ingested and cause a blockage. Ferrets are very clean animals and prefer blankets to cuddle in. Get lots of blankets (even an old t- shirts or sweaters will do)

Don't bathe more than twice a year. Bathing strips ferrets of their natural oils, therefore they have to overcompensate by making more and smelling worse. I prefer baby shampoo. Ferrets who enjoy water or have itchy skin can benefit from oatmeal baths, as long as soap isn't use it can be done more frequently.

Ferrets also need their nails trimmed (typically once a month) and should have their teeth brushed weekly.
https://www.amazon.com/Nuby-2-Pack-Oral-Massager-Toothbrush/dp/B008FONSQG/ref=sr_1_14_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1508618085&sr=8-14&keywords=baby+finger+toothbrush

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000NJ0PEE/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1541386629&sr=8-2&keywords=MaxiGuard+OraZn+Pet+Oral+Care%2C+2+oz.

http://www.reddit.com/r/ferrets/comments/yj77p/frequently_asked_questions/

ADVICE FOR NEW FERRET OWNERS


Pick up a copy of the book Ferrets for Dummies (2nd edition). This is pretty much touted as the Ferret Bible and has soooo much information. It's an invaluable resource.

Next, you should decide whether or not you want to buy or adopt. For a first time ferret owner I really can't recommend buying a baby. Babies are crazy and a new ferret owner can quickly find themselves overwhelmed. I highly suggest finding a local shelter and adopting a ferret that's at least a year old.

Most people will suggest a pair of ferrets.. or more! This is because a bored ferret is a destructive ferret. If your ferret relies solely on you for its entertainment, and you become busy.. your ferret is going to start destroying stuff. Having another ferret to play with and snuggle with is a good idea.

Please keep in mind before considering ferrets that vet care for them can be expensive. They are considered exotic animals and as such, many vets charge extra for treating them. You will need to find a vet who is knowledgeable when it comes to ferrets. This is important! Ask around.

Set aside a special savings account just for your ferrets. I'm not joking. You should keep around $1000 saved at all times. The reason for this, is ferrets are stoic animals. This means they cannot communicate pain or illness to you. You have to recognize the signs and sometimes those signs are difficult to see. By the time a ferret can actually show you that he/she is ill or in pain, it is often too late. Vet bills can skyrocket astronimcally, very quickly when it comes to ferrets. Do NOT mess around with this.

In a related note, I cannot stress enough how important it is to feed a good diet. Feeding raw meats is best, but isn't always for everyone. If you cannot feed raw meats then please feed a grain free and starch free kibble like Wysong Epigen 90. You can buy it online from Wysong.net, Ferret.com, Caseyshiddenpantry.com (casey's ships internationally), amongst others. This is probably the best kibble you can possibly give a ferret.

Feeding the best diet you can will not only help prevent insulinoma, but it will also reduce the amount that your ferret smells, the amount that he/she poops, and will keep his/her coat soft and shiny.

Ferrets require an absolute bare minimum of 3-4 hours out of the cage each day. The more, the better. You do not need to interact with them the entire time they are out, of course, but you can't keep them locked up all the time. If you decide to let them free roam, then don't just let them loose into the house when you get home - start out with keeping them in one bedroom until they prove reliable with the litter box.

Most people find that ferrets cannot get adequately hydrated from a water bottle, and will suggest using a water bowl. I suggest this too, but remember that ferrets are terrorists (they are like owning furry toddlers) and many will try to spill or snorkel in the water. A spill-less bowl is awesome for this.

Alternatively, lock-on crocks work well also as the height can be adjusted. They work great for food, too.

Don't bother with corner litter boxes. Ferrets like to be able to get their entire body into the box and then turn around. Start out with a high-back litter box instead.

When you bring your ferret(s) home, remember that it will take about a month or so for them to start settling in. In that time the ferret will poop all over and bite you a lot. It's completely normal while they adjust. Just keep handling them, cuddling them and talking to them. The biting will eventually stop. Whenever they poop on the floor, put the poop into the litter box and wipe the area down with 50/50 vinegar water.

Lastly, when your ferret misbehaves (and believe me, they will), don't put them back into the cage. Pick up a plastic cat carrier crate and put the ferret in there for 3-5 minutes. No longer - they have short attention spans and quickly forget why they are being punished. Also, if the ferret is displaying "cage rage"..aka rattling the bars of the cage with their teeth, do not give in and open the cage or give them any kind of attention. Just like a toddler, you have to let them ride it out. The very second you give them attention they will know and they will not stop.

Man! No ones on this thread. Would love to hear other people's opinions and thoughts as well. I'll throw out mine in the mean time.


I haven't really gotten around to researching daily supplements yet (i think because I'm a believer of nutrients coming straight from the food source), I've done a little research about Taurine but that's about it so far. If you mean emergency situation sickness stuff, I've been slowly building a first aid kit for our ferrets. Inside I have ProBiotics, FerretRx, and Ferret Lax. I've used all of these with great success. The Probiotic helps with some tummy upsets when switching food and minor illness. The Ferret Rx was a great help when a cold spread through out the home and even to the ferrets and the ferret lax is something I feel should be a requirement to ferret house holds. Defiantly helped durring shedding season.


Also, Liam and Jasper are looking adorable in that pic. ❤

Do not give your ferret Marshall’s it is practically poison for them. I wouldn’t do zupreme either the original has potato and wheat flour and the grain free has peas and sweet potatoes. All bad ingredients for ferrets.

Wysong Ferret Epigen 90 Digestive Support - Dry Ferret Food, Four - 5 Pound Bags https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019W9VYPY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_kI9nDbDBX80H1

Wysong is a decent kibble and to help them put on weight try

Wysong Epigen Variety Pack Canine/Feline Canned Formula - Dog/Cat/Ferret Food, Six- 12.9 Ounce Cans https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OCNRQLW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_SI9nDbQ6WWXX2

That wet food helped my underweight girl get healthy. Rabbit was her favorite out of the mix. They won’t eat a whole can in one sitting. Invest in some can savers and store it in the fridge. I would spoon some into a microwave safe dish and heat it up for like 10 seconds then stir and check with my finger to make sure it wasn’t too hot for them.

Grizzly Omega Health for Dogs & Cats, Wild Salmon Oil/Pollock Oil Omega-3 Blend https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074N97RFP/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_uJ9nDbKSP5F1J

That has many health benefits for them and also contains healthy fatty acids that would help them gain weight too.

ive had a few of these, but i made some modifications since the wire just ends. i got some zipties and ziptied the ends of the wires very tightly to the rest of the wire coil (hard to explain, sorry)- i had to poke holes thru the plastic to do it but it was much safer after the modification imho.
it is literally hours of fun, lol.
http://www.amazon.com/Marshall-Pet-Products-FT-190-Thru-Way/dp/B0002DJL0K

even more durable is the larger tunnel for cats http://bit.ly/Oui3MV that we used when my boy got too tubby for the thruway tunnel, haha. it's not nearly as long but he liked hanging out in it, and it folds up really nice for travel.

My strongest advice would just be to throw down some money and go for the best cage you can get - The Ferret Nation or the Critter Nation. It is extremely durable, it is mobile (on wheels), and it is definitely large enough to lock three ferrets up at night and have them still be comfortable enough - As long as you have at least two stories.

Here's the critter nation on amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Midwest-Critter-Nation-Animal-Habitat/dp/B001NJ0DAY/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1397777940&sr=8-2&keywords=ferret+nation

Honestly, it is definitely costly, but it is probably the most worth-it cage you could possibly buy. You won't ever feel like you need to upgrade to a larger cage if you buy this one, and it will probably never ever break.

Best of all, if you ever decide years from now that you'd like to go in a different direction than ferrets, the critter nation is perfect for rats, chinchillas, guinea pigs, you name it. It's a spectacular cage.

You might look at other cages online that are cheaper and think "I think this is good enough," or even "I hope this is good enough," but after having been through 3 different cages myself, I know the critter nation is worth it.

I'd say either Wysong, raw, or most premium kitten food! From my knowledge Blue Buffalo works well if you're going the kitten food route, and can also be found at most pet stores easily (Or, if you're lucky, it can be found at a grocery store), just be sure whatever you get doesn't have grain. Wysong is the best specifically ferret food I know of and can be found on Amazon ( https://www.amazon.com/Wysong-Ferret-Epigen-Digestive-Support/dp/B019W9VXZK/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=ferret&qid=1554951902&s=pet-supplies&sr=1-2 ), and I'm afraid I know little to nothing about raw feeding, but heard its an ideal ferret diet, but Wysong also offers a raw option (Chicken: https://www.amazon.com/Wysong-Ferret-Archetype-Chicken-Formula/dp/B00L72JUYC/ref=sr_1_46?keywords=ferret&qid=1554953171&s=pet-supplies&sr=1-46 )! Hope this helped!

Amazon! Bueller managed to moonwalk his way out of his at first before I tightened it and he gave up, haha! |D After a quick tightening to make sure he couldn't wiggle his elbows under it he was good to go. Now as a forewarning I have some CHONKY boys xD But these harnesses are on their (almost) biggest/loosest fit and they work so you should be able to get them pretty snug around smaller fluffs~

Links:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005MXXFH0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_ySHTbQxYBv4yt
(only comes in 1 color)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PKJ21XL/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_27SzBNq79WjMb
(comes in red or black)

1. Ferret math means you'll rarely have one animal. I'm not just saying this to be cute; ferrets are extremely social animals, and if you don't (or can't) provide them with regular interaction they will not be happy, healthy creatures. Please do consider a pair of ferrets; the upkeep isn't significantly greater and it will be a better experience for both animals. That all being said, the Ferret Nation Habitat is a very popular and sturdy cage for one or two animals. They also sell a dual-level model, and these can be expanded with additional units.
   
2. You'll get a great deal of discussion about this. My personal preference is SwheatScoop unscented. It is a wheat-based clumping litter with low dust and, as a bonus, can be safely flushed down the toilet. Should you go looking at other options you'll want to be sure to avoid anything with perfumes/scents, and anything clay-based.
   
3. My ferrets adore and thrive on Wellness CORE original formula. Don't balk at the price; it takes my three ferrets about about 4-6 weeks to go through a 12 lb bag so you're looking at about 33¢ per ferret per day. There are other options out there; avoid anything that isn't at least 35% meat-based protein, anything that has sugar or sweeteners, and anything that has grain or grain product as the primary ingredient.
   
4. Treats are tricky as you don't want to give them anything that's patently unhealthy. In the past (before I knew better) I would give my ferrets Honey Nut Cheerios, peanut butter, raisins, and a bunch of other things. They loved it but it really wasn't healthy for them at all. Most ferrets like a squirt of Ferretone every now and then. Freeze-dried meats and jerky products are good, but again avoid things with added sugars and salt (honey and molasses finds its way into many pet jerky products). Once in awhile I'll slip my ferrets a little bit of cooked hamburger or roasted turkey but that's hit or miss. Remember: Ferrets are total carnivores!
   
   Though you didn't ask, I'll volunteer: Be very careful when giving your ferret(s) toys to play with. Avoid anything made of foam, for example; chewed pieces can get caught in their intestinal tract and cause serious problems. For similar reasons, avoid anything that has pieces which can be chewed off (e.g., a plastic eye); anything with plastic bits (like ribbons); and all kinds of squeaky toys and things made of thin rubber. Good toys: Cardboard tubes and boxes. Ping-pong balls. Super Thru-Way. Cotton rope toys. Large towels. Small cotton unadorned stuffed animals.

My little guy loves this!
I have a bunch of cheap $5 polar fleece blankets from Walmart that he loves and makes it super easy to keep the cage clean.
EDIT: formatting

I've seen those, and almost bought the second one for my fuzzies! Any of that is way better than Marshalls, and I'm sure your fuzzies will like it!

I also use this which also comes in chicken and quail, it's literally pure raw meat with added vitamins and nutrients, freeze dried for easy feeding.

I also like Isle of Dogs, whatever the name of their line is that's "fit for human consumption" because it's just like 3 ingredients. We get the turkey cranberry one.

You can make dried meat yourself, make them with https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0188X0UT6/ref=psdc_1090752_t3_B008H2OELY

Take the cheapest one dehydrator, and cut pieces of meat, put them on the tray, let it dry for 3 days at something like 104°F to keep all flavor of the meat.

The Amazon link is for the cheapest one (have something similar and to be honest i'am pretty sure that in this price range they are all the same just with a different brand, already have 2 years and still working, if the plastic basket start to crack, put fine mesh over it, just make sure it let airflow pass).

This is a similar process but conserve the moisture into the product.

But this is something that i found "useless", you could just give them fresh piece of meat or fish or shrimp instead of paying a premium 11.99$ for 2.5 Oz (71g) of product.

edit, almost 170$ the Kg Wow

I don't know about feeding vaseline to your ferret, never heard of that before. This is what the majority of people use. If your fuzzbutt is hacking or coughing, this will clear it up.


You ferret does need to be helped in the cleanliness department every couple months. Clean the hammocks/blankets, wipe down the cage, and bathe him if he gets stinky/oily to the point that its noticeable. Dry him off as best you can and lay down 2-3 towels he will dry himself.


The above mentioned ferretlax(or bribe as I call it) is useful for distracting him while you clip his nails(you'll see a black vein in the nail, clip a few millimeters above this or it will hurt/bleed).


Good Luck!

Ferrets do well in groups, and a friend is recommended if possible. We had a deaf girl, and she was the most adorable of the bunch, never had many health problems, and any she had could more likely be attributed to being the runt of the litter.

Is your vet a general vet or an exotic vet? Some veterinarians don't have much experience with ferrets.

What kind of temperature is she usually in, how old is she, and does she drag herself when walking? Energy levels could be a contributor.

Ferrets each like different things, and there are many things to try, but if she likes the tunnel, I suggest looking at clear plastic dryer tubing, Like this one

I rotate and mix foods often so they don't get complacent, and you have to slowly introduce new thing like raw chicken. Nearly every food you see has some sort of thing someone somewhere will say is bad for ferrets but right now I'm using this as their majority kibble.

PETCUREAN 152332 Go Fit and Free Grain Free Chicken/Tk/Dk for Pets, 16-Pound

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007JYQ39M/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_T85PwbXW4BDH8

Maybe buy some bitter apple spray and spray around the corners and base of the bed to deter her from going on it/near it? It is safe and nontoxic, and although I haven't tried it myself I hear that ferrets really don't like it and avoid it like the plague. It's cheap and on Amazon as well.

I agree with lots of toys, but by nature ferrets just aren't good at staying on one thing for periods of time. That's why you should have lots of different toys, so she can cycle to the next thing. I got my ferrets a small ball pit to play in which they LOVE, but be warned - they like to steal the balls out of it ;)
Do you have a tube for her to run around through? The tube keeps my most rambunctious baby occupied for more than any other toy.

I wish I knew. All I did was play w them every day and fed them the right food. Started them off on Marshalls but after some research went with https://www.amazon.com/In-Ultimate-Advanced-Nutrition-4-4-Pound/dp/B007SZ7VX4 but it seems that is not available anymore so I switched to https://www.amazon.com/Kaytee-Ferret-Diet-Chicken-4-lb/dp/B00W898J1S (I have to check at home but I think the one I get has a bit more fat). I gave them the marshall treats all the time too. Also gave them that Duck Soup you can buy in Petco etc.

Phil had Waardenburg syndrome and went completely bald at 3. Got him his shots and his hair grew back but unfortunately it took its toll on him. I let a neighbors dog in one day and next thing I know Pheebe is sick and and died very quickly. I forget the name but there is some disease dogs have thats fine for them but is very lethal for ferrets.

Basically I just made sure to play w them every day, feed them right and love them I guess is the trick. I definitely spoiled them all. Cage was always open. I always had one or 2 or 3 in my lap while they were napping. Gave them a bath every 2 months at least. Tons of toys. I went a little crazy w toys. Probably would buy them each 1 new toy a month. Wound up w box's full over the years. They got tons of exercise. Pretty sure if Phil didn't have Waardenburg's and I didn't let that dam dog in my house the other 2 would have lived a lot longer as well.

Get either the ferret nation 241 (?) or get a large playpen and a large piece of waterproofed canvas. I own both the big fancy cage and the playpen. In my opinion the playpen is pay more humane and allows them to feel more a part of the action. We keep ours in the corner of our living room.

I don't know why I've never seen anyone recommend a playpen before. Everyone always recommends the ferret nation cage, which is still excellent, but I feel like the playpen is more practical. It's huge and all of their stuff fits nicely. The canvas goes on the floor under the pen to keep any accident from leaking onto the hardwood floors.

I have this playpen

And I have this canvas mat . It comes in a ton of colors and works very well as a water resistant liner

Is it this stuff you usually but or is it Marshalls? https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B007SZ7VX4/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?qid=1463501521&sr=8-2&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=ferret+food

My vet recommends this for my boys and it's been great. They think it's a treat and they have had a lot more energy since we switched. The only problem is that the food sometimes gets stuck on the roof of their mouth but it isn't that big of a problem. It's cheaper than most premium ferret foods as well. Sometimes amazon has it on sale and I get 4 or 5 bags. A bag lasts two ferrets at least a month if not more.

Ferrets for Dummies was a lifesaver for me when I got my first ferret and I still consult it. Also, they are so very inquisitive so ferret proofing your home is an ongoing task, even the smallest hole can be scratched into a larger one. And congratulations! You can never stay in a bad mood when you have ferrets in the house.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001NJ0DAY

That's the cage we have and our two love it. I agree that it's too rusty for him. Especially if he chews where it is rusted.

Also if you live near a Joan fabrics they usually have fleeces on sale. So you can get yards of cute patters for relatively cheap! We load them up with it so they have comfy little places to sleep when they don't feel like sleeping in their beds

Pet store, this is the over priced Marshal stuff most pet stores have. But it works great as a clear tube. If you must have clear, any pet store will do, or you can get it here:

http://smile.amazon.com/Marshall-Pet-Products-FT-190-Thru-Way/dp/B0002DJL0K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1414617745&sr=8-1&keywords=ferret+tunnel

Just an FYI, anything rubber MUST be kept away from them. They WILL try to eat it and there's a good chance it will do big damage or possibly even cause death.

Also, they will hide in your furniture--including recliners. ALWAYS have eyes on your ferret before sitting down. Also before walking anywhere for that matter. If you haven't got eyes on your ferret, try to walk by gently shuffling your feet in case they jump out under you.

I also solved my free-roam and amount of playtime issue by attaching a play pen to his cage so that I could just leave the cage door open. I stuck flattened cardboard boxes above the door of the cage and between the playpen and cage where he would attempt to climb. He's got free roam of his big pen area at all times when I am home, including overnight. He's never had a potty accident with his one litterbox inside his cage, and he's got free access to his water and food.

I've been looking at this

You could trim the grass, partially bury (maybe 1 inch) and create a play area for them. Looks like you could get multiple sets and link them together to create a large area.

I've heard about dryer tubes from others so I ordered this: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000DZFTEO/ and it was half the price of a Marshall's thru-way. Unfortunately, it was also half the distance of the thru-way and the plastic was very thin. I recently had to throw it out because it was torn in places and the wire at the end was poking through and scratching them. Meanwhile, the stupid Marshalls tube has lasted years so I think it's worth the extra $.

Cereal boxes you say? Ok, I'm inspired. Sometimes I tape together beer boxes to make little forts for them to play it, but I'm thinking if I cut up the cereal boxes and roll them, tape then into a tube shape, they'd love it! I could even attach them to the beer box....

Am I a crazy ferret lady? Yes.

Congrats on your new ferret! I highly suggest you pick up Ferrets for Dummies to help you learn all about being a ferret owner!

• For the boxspring, you just need a fitted sheet or 2. Put one on the underside of the boxspring. If it does not stay very well on its own, then put the other fitted sheet on top to hold it on. This worked for me and my 5 ferrets when they had access to my bedroom :) Go to a thrift store and buy the fitted sheets for cheap!
  
  
• As for the fridge and stove, that gets a little trickier. You can use scraps of wood to block off the underside and spaces on the sides of the units. Most home improvement stores have a scrap bin that has tons of pieces that should work well for incredibly cheap.
  
  
• Something else that tends to be forgotten is the spaces under your cabinets. Some cabinets have space under with a gap that ferrets can easily fit through. There can be unknown holes for pipes that go into the walls/floors/outside. You may also want to block this off with wood, or just block access to the kitchen all together.
  
  
• Your other option is to get a ferret playpen to block off the kitchen. You can get one like this. I know it may seem expensive, but its so versatile, I couldn't imagine not having one. The kitchen can be a dangerous place for ferrets, so my business has no access to the kitchen because of this.
  
  It's a dangerous game to play having a pet when they are not allowed. Hopefully your complex gives notice when they plan to come in. Recruit a friend to be your ferret sitter in case you need to house him temporarily somewhere else. Have a plan before you need it!

Room or walk in closet? Whatever works right?
Tubes and Dig Box. Hands down. You can even cheat, by putting socks in a box and calling it a day. Don't buy play sand, I don't like rice, I personally prefer biodegradable non-toxic packing peanuts. Tubes aren't too bad if you buy online, Pet stores are insanely over priced. This isn't too bad as you get free Shipping with Prime https://www.amazon.com/Marshall-Pet-Products-FT-190-Thru-Way/dp/B0002DJL0K, you can also just go to your local hardware store and ask about the tubes they have available for saw dust collection. Usually Cheaper and more efficient to buy in bulk. Even the Marshall Tunnel is 15 Feet, so thats a good length to start with.

this is what we use to keep jack’s teeth clean - he is raw fed but due to his special needs he cannot chew bone (he has only 4 bottom teeth and no jaw for the remainder) so we have to use an alternative. a lot of kibble fed ferrents use this as well & this is highly recommended through the ferret community. orazn pet oral care

Get a baby gate and place it in front of the door. Or get a plexiglass playpen. This is the one I own and I really enjoy it. They try to get out but never succeed. I have a fat boy and a small girl both ferrets. Hope this helps.

We use this brand with mostly success. We have a couple of babies who are nearing a year and still on the trim side, but as long as we tighten them to the fullest extent, they don't seem to wiggle out of them.

Forgive me if the link doesn't work properly. The name of the item is: Ware ManufaCounturing SWM14008 Harness-N-Leash, Small
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005MXXFH0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_5PvQCb8T4DVR6

You are very welcome and here are some links to the 2 cages I suggested

https://www.amazon.com/MidWest-Critter-162-leak-Proof-Measures/dp/B001NJ0DAY/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1549276276&sr=8-2-spons&keywords=ferret+nation&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/Prevue-Hendryx-485-Products-Hammertone/dp/B000QFMYWQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1549276306&sr=8-1&keywords=feisty+ferret

Ferrets For Dummies https://www.amazon.com/dp/0470139439/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_HnGazb8G76TSE

This book has tons of good information and it's not expensive.

I bought it online

It seems pretty durable. The size is perfect - even my chubby one can easily run back and forth. The plastic has a strong smell to it at first but it goes away after airing it out. I wouldn't suggest folding it once you unpack it. Mine just lies on the floor all stretched out.

I have the same kind, I got it here!

You should check out the FAQ section and grab a copy of the ferret bible

Here is the mobile version of your link

We use this https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B06XTG94TH?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

Marshall Pet Products Pop-N-Play... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007ZN5TN8?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

So, I use this thing in my living room. You can unattach the pieces and make a gate. I just attached one side to my wall, and stuff the other side behind a chair. It's 8 panels, each panel is 18" wide, so it should be plenty of width.

Here! https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001NJ0DAY/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1511978998&sr=8-2&keywords=critter+nation+double&dpPl=1&dpID=51Ni5J14u-L&ref=plSrch It's on sale until December 4th I believe.

I'll echo the other posters here - ferrets will get sick more often than a dog, in my experience. I think of it as their life is condensed to 7-10 years compared to a cat or dog's 15-18 years. A dog will have a good 10 to 12 years before it might have cancer or die or old age, whereas a ferret will run into problems around the age of 4 to 6. Ferrets are such sweet, joyful, punchy-personality & heart-capturing creatures. I imagine it must be equally tough with rats not living very long?

If you haven't heard of it already, read Ferrets for Dummies. Yes really - it's THE ferret book, and explains all their conditions and risks.

We try to always have $1k emergency money that we can use on ferret vet bills. We feed them the best food we can find, and keep up on their hygiene. Make sure they don't eat anything they shouldn't - fabric, rubber, plastic - due to risk of intestinal blockage. This should cover your bases fairly well.

Edit: out of curiousity, I looked it up: black footed ferrets live 8-9 years in captivity, maybe up to 12. Polecats live up to 14 in captivity?