For my sixteenth birthday, I decided I wanted ferrets. My parents were very surprised, not having any experience with ferrets and immediately associating them with rats. As my mom asked, 'Are they even lovable?'

I campaigned long and hard and finally succeeded in having them agree to purchase two for my birthday. However, my family is far from wealthy, and considering the cost of ferrets, food, shelter, and litter, we had no extra money to spend on toys. The few toys that came with the ferrets were torn up within a few weeks and had to be thrown out. Thus it was up to me to be creative and think of ways to keep them amused. Here are some of the fun (and cheap!) things I have found entertain them (who in turn entertain me).

Hammocks

These can be purchased, but merely tying an old shirt to the top of the cage will suffice. Hammocks are mainly used for sleeping, but they also love to wrestle on it, as it provides a soft surface as well as a swing.

Tunnels

These can be made by taking old soda bottles, cutting off the top and bottom, and taping them together to form a maze or even a free-rolling tube.

Pants (particularly jeans)

Old pants are fantastic for ferrets. Jeans are best on the bottom of the cage, as the ferrets will have a comfier environment and the denim is perfect for chewing on. Other types of pants are great for just lying out and letting them crawl through. I recently laid out a pair of jeans on my bedroom floor and watched as Zak, my butterscotch male, scurried through one pant leg, poked his head out of the crotch, and proceeded to continue down the other leg.

Large plastic containers

Walking through my kitchen, I noticed in the recycling bin a large container previously used for pretzel rods. I rinsed it out and placed it on the floor the next time my ferrets were out and about, and laughed as they both rolled it around with their noses and climbed in it, flailing about as it began to roll away.

Whiffle balls

Whiffle balls are better than regular balls, as the holes allow the ferrets to pick them up in their teeth and run around with them. I'm still finding balls in nooks and crannies from the last time I put them out during play time.

Kickballs

Go to K-Mart, Wal-Mart, or any big department store and by one of those two-dollar kickballs. Cut holes in it (more than one) and place it out for the ferrets to scramble through and explore. Warning on this one though if you find tiny holes in it and suspect the ferret has been chewing and

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