Common Household Hazards for Your Ferret
It's important that ferrets get at least four hours of playtime out of their cage each day, but it is equally as important to make sure that the rooms they play in are safe. There are many hazards throughout your house that could cause your ferrets harm or even kill them. Below is a list of some of the dangerous items you need to be aware of if your ferrets are to have safe, fun playtimes.
- Recliners
- Sofa beds
- Rocking chairs
- Bookcases and high tables
- Remote controls and other items with soft rubber parts
- Electrical wires
- Power cords
- Mattress box springs
- Appliances like stoves, refrigerators, washers, and dryers
- Cleaning products stored in cabinets low to the ground
- Garbage cans
- Open toilets
- Holes around pipes, in floorboards, or between cabinets
- Open windows
- Spaces under doors
- Air ducts and vents
- Doors that open to the outside
- Candles
- Baseboard heaters
- Radiators
- Fireplaces
- Poisonous houseplants
Before you let your ferrets out of their cage, look around the room they will be playing in to see if any of the above hazards are present. If you can't remove them from the room, they must be ferretproofed. For example, if you have recliners, disable the reclining mechanism or bind them so they can't open. Use cord covers on power cords that can't be put out of reach. Eliminate any access to high places by moving furniture.
Ferretproofing is an ongoing process, so make sure you check the playspace each and every time!
