by Angie Pollock

Created on: March 21, 2009

Cage accessories for ferrets fall into several categories. There are accessories that are considered necessities, those that are comfort items for a ferret, and then there are the accessories that are just plain fun. These items can be purchased, found in your own home, or for the crafty and imaginative ferret owner, some accessories can be handmade.

Feeding containers are necessities for a ferret cage. A ferret typically eats every four hour so food and water should be made available at all times, especially water. Because everything becomes a plaything to a ferret, their feeding containers will need to be well thought out or you will be spending a lot of time cleaning up and money on wasted food. The simplest containers are water bottles that hang on the cage and heavy crock-style bowls. However, these bowls are still no match for a ferret who decides to redecorate their living space. The best containers are those that lock onto the bars of the cage. These are usually found in the small animal pet supplies, one brand being "Smart Crock" and another is "Crock-Lok".

A litter box placed inside a ferret's cage is also essential especially during litter-box training. Provide appropriate and clean litter in the box at all times. For nap time, provide your ferret with soft bedding. Your ferret is not a rat so forget about those bagged shavings sold for hamster cages. The most popular bedding enjoyed by ferrets are ferret sleeping bags. These can be purchased, some being quite pricey. However, with a little imagination, you can make your own ferret sleeping bag with any soft fabric.

Simply fold the fabric in half and sew up one end and one side, leaving a space on the end for your ferret to crawl inside. A small infant blanket can also be used by following the same procedure as a piece of fabric. For inexpensive or even free bedding, cut off the leg of an old pair of sweat pants. Your ferret isn't picky, she just wants a cozy and soft place to lay her head. Most owners do not recommend using terry-cloth fabric because the ferret's nails can become caught in the fabric.

Owners should watch their ferrets for any eating of fabrics inside the cage. Obstruction in the stomach can become a major medical issue. Ferrets that choose to eat their bedding should be provided with an alternative such as a cardboard box, play tube or tunnel, or a ferret ball for napping.

The last of the accessories are for the entertainment value and your ferret will greatly appreciate these extras.

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