 | FERRET PROOFING by Greta Contributions by
members of
FERRET Important information
that we can all use. |
Beds (underside__foundation)
Foam rubber and sometimes springs can be a hazard to your ferret. Cover bottom of foundation with plywood or tough fabric (stapled on).
Candles (lit)
A burning hazard to a ferret. Never leave a lighted candle unattended when your furkid(s) is/are around. Blow it out before leaving the room.
Chairs (overstuffed)
Ferrets can and will explore the bottoms and cracks of overstuffed chairs. Make sure the bottoms are well covered with artist's canvas or other tough fabric. Check before sitting down. Your ferret may be under a cushion.
Clothes hamper
The clothes hamper fascinates your ferret. Always check the soiled clothes before tossing them in the washer. Your ferret may be hiding in the load of clothes. Some hampers may have ventilation holes; watch that your ferret doesn't get caught in these.
Cold air vents: cover securely
From the air vent to the basement is a tempting slide for your ferret. Keep these vents well covered and secured to the wall/floor.
Doors
When leaving through a door leading to the outside, make sure your ferret isn't there to slip out unnoticed. Doors that are kept closed to prevent a ferret from entering an area should have no cracks underneath that your furkid can slip through.
Dryer (clothes) vent to outdoors
Ferrets have been lost by making their way outside through the clothes dryer vent. Make sure this vent is made of metal and tightly attached to your dryer. Check on your baby before closing the dryer door! Make sure he is not inside.
Electronic equipment
Ferret nails can get caught in the mesh of amplifiers. Arrange electronic equipment to prevent access by your ferret(s).
Falls from high places
Falls can result in injury to your furkid. Broken bones and internal damage to your baby are two worth mentioning. Keep a safety net or two attached to their condo. Take care to prevent your ferret from accessing high places.
Fans (window and floor fans)
Another source of ferret fascination. Do not run an unprotected window fan or floor fan when your ferret is free roaming. Enclose the fan with ferret proof mesh or other effective material.
Ferret shuffle
Be careful where you walk when your ferret is loose. You may step on your baby. Most ferret owners are familiar with the 'ferret shuffle.' Scoot your feet across the floor.
Fireplaces
Fireplaces can result in burn injuries and even death to a ferret. Keep these tightly enclosed with fireplace glass protection. Even when not burning, your furkid could need a bath after playing in the ashes.
Fish tanks
Keep fish tanks covered securely at all times. Tape down the cover if it's easily accessible. The movement of fish is a call to your ferret. Splashing in all that water may be tempting too. Your ferret could fall in and drown.
Fumes:
Never paint or strip wood while your ferret is in the house. Never fumigate a room unless your ferret is out of the house. Ferrets respiratory systems are delicate and severe upper respiratory complications could result.
Furnace/boiler
Never allow your ferret access to the area around your furnace or boiler. There are often openings in these appliances your ferret would love to explore. Severe burns and even death could result.
Heavy objects that could fall on your ferret:
Keep heavy objects that could injure your ferret if they should fall in a location that is safe for your baby. Not on the lip of the bathtub or a sink where a fuzzy could access them.
Microwave
Free roaming ferrets will come a'running when they hear the beep of the microwave. (duck soup time!) Make sure they aren't under your feet to be stepped on when you open that microwave door.
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