As I entered my new home with my pet ferret, I immediately thought that I needed a new cage for my ferret too. As I was looking out for various cage options, I realized that I should decide How Big Should a Ferret Cage Be?
After all, my furry friend was growing and would need a comfortable space to call his own. I was unsure about the size of the ferret cage, as I could see numerous options available. So, I started my research and I was glad as ferrets do have specific requirements when it comes to their cage’s size.
Read on to find out more about how big should a ferret cage be for your single ferret, or many ferrets if you owe more than one! Also, if you are looking for the best cage, check out the options that we have reviewed here.
How Big Should a Ferret Cage Be?
Ferrets are inquisitive little creatures, who like to jump and hop, dig and burrow. Moreover, they are very territorial. Which means that they mark their territory and are quite possessive about it.
Hence, it is imperative that you need to provide your ferret with a dedicated cage, which has enough space for your ferret, his activities as well as take care of all his comforts. After all, just like you, your ferret too needs bedding, food and water bowl, and a litter tray.
The size of the ferret’s cage is dependent upon the number of ferrets that you have. Ideally, a cage of size with the below dimensions should be sufficient for a single ferret:
- Height: 24 inches
- Width: 36 inches
- Length: 24 inches
However, you should opt for a bigger cage if you are a ferret owner of multiple ferrets. With ferrets, it’s definitely, the more the merrier
What Are the Cage Size Requirements for Ferrets?
Before we discuss the cage size requirements for ferrets, it is important to understand why you should avoid buying any available cage.
When it comes to ferret, you will find a variety of brands, and many types of ferret cages available online. You must purchase a cage that is specially designed for ferrets. Other pet cages simply do not fit the bill for ferrets. After all, your ferret is an exotic pet!
For instance, keeping your ferret in bird cages wouldn’t provide it with enough space nor setup to reside comfortably. A hamster cage or rat cage would be extremely small for your ferret, and if you are thinking of an aquarium, it’s a big NO-NO. Your poor ferret will not get enough ventilation.
So, you should provide your ferret with the best cage that it deserves. Let’s take a look at the things you should consider while deciding upon the cage’s size.
3 Things To Consider While Choosing The Size of Ferret Cage
With a variety of cages available online and at pet stores, all of different brands and costs, you must consider a few factors.
We really want you to make an informed decision!
1. Selecting a Cage For a Single Ferret
If you have a single ferret, you should select a cage that is at least 36 inches in width, 24 inches in length, and 24 inches in height.
The above is the minimum size we are talking about. You can always get a bigger cage for your dearest friend. The minimum dimensions ensure that your ferret will get enough space to sleep, eat, play, repeat! And of course, you also need some space to keep your friend’s litter box.
Take a look at this self-sufficient Ferplast Ferret Tower Two-Story Ferret Cage where your ferret can enjoy itself with the play tubes, hanging hammock, and the platform. What more, you also get a litter box as an added accessory.
2. Selecting a Cage For Multiple Ferrets
If you owe multiple ferrets, you need a bigger cage so that they can accommodate themselves comfortably. For approximate calculations and ease of selecting a cage, you can simply add 6 inches to all the dimensions for a single ferret cage.
So, if you have two ferrets, the minimum cage size should be 42 inches in width, 30 inches in length, and 30 inches in height
Take a look at this MidWest Homes Cage. This ferret nation cage is best for multiple ferrets.
3. Selecting a Multi-Level Cage
If you are already having a pet ferret, you will already know how much they love to climb and jump. Hence, it is important to provide your ferret with a habitat that can enhance its mobility and let it jump and climb easily.
If possible, you should try to select a cage that has two to three levels. Ramps should be placed between the levels to give your furball a setup to run and play.
In case you have multiple ferrets, who love to socialize and love to play with each other, make sure that there are at least four levels in the cage.
Take a look at this Multi Levels Rolling Cage. This is an extra large ferret cage with multiple levels and a spacious setup, your furballs will definitely have a ball of a time inside.
Why Do Ferrets Need a Cage?
Ferrets are extremely playful, social, and active pets. However, like everyone else, they need their safe space too. A place where they can relax, sleep, or simply spend their time jumping around.
A cage is a place where your ferret will feel at ease, and it will relate to the cage as its home and comfort zone. A ferret will need a cage for eating, sleeping, playing, pooping, and urinating in the litter box.
Apart from that, ferrets being very curious, they can often get into trouble if they are left unsupervised. They might just get hurt accidentally or chew on something leading to choking.
Hence, when you are not around in the house, it is best to keep your ferret inside its cage.
Do Ferrets Need A Lot of Space?
No, ferrets do not need a lot of space. If you provide them with a spacious and comfortable cage, they will be more than happy inside it. All your ferret’s necessity items can be adjusted in the cage itself: the litter box, water bowl, food bowl, and bedding.
However, you should make sure that the ferret at least gets an outdoor time of 2 hours daily.
So, if you want to own a pet that occupies less space, then a ferret can definitely be one of your choices.
What Do You Put in Your Ferret’s Cage?
While deciding your ferret’s cage, it is important to consider what all things need to be added inside the cage.
Let’s take a look at the essentials:
1. Ferret Bedding
Bedding is extremely important as it will give a comfortable spot to your ferret for relaxing and sleeping.
2. Water Bowl
Select a ceramic water bowl or place water bottles on the sides of the cage for your ferret.
3. Food Bowl
Select a heavy ceramic bowl and place it on one of the cage layers for your ferret.
4. Litter Box
Set up a litter tray to ensure that all pooping activities are carried out in the litter pan only. The litter box should be at a separate spot away from the food and water bowl in the cage.
You can also put some other items in the cage if you wish to like:
- Ferret toys
- Tubes for playing
6 Things To Consider While Selecting A Cage
Taking into consideration the safety and well-being of your ferret, we have designed the below checklist that you should follow before getting a ferret’s cage.
1. Cage Dimensions
It is perhaps the most important thing that you should consider while buying a ferret cage. Make sure that the cage passes the requirements of a minimum dimension.
| No. Of Ferrets | Cage Dimensions (Inches) | Minimum Levels |
| 1 | 36(W) X 24(L) X 24(H) | 1 to 2 |
| 2 or > 2 | 42(W) X 30(L) X 30(H) | 2 to 4 |
2. Material Used in Construction of the Cage
The material of the cage is very important while you select a cage.
Below are the two materials that you should always avoid:
A. Glass and Fiberglass Cages
Glass and fiberglass material cages will provide poor or almost no ventilation to your furry friend. Apart from that, your ferret is prone to heat strokes.
Hence, using a glass cage during summers can cause extreme heat to your ferret, leading to heatstroke.
B. Wooden Cages
Ferrets love to dig. Just imagine the destruction caused if your ferret starts digging the wooden cage with its paws. Not only will it damage the cage, but it will also harm your ferret’s paws.
Moreover, the wood shavings can be consumed by your furball, causing choking. Wooden shavings are also harmful to your ferret’s respiratory tract. Hence, you should stay away from wooden cages.
The Best Cage Material
You should select a cage that is built with plastic and wire. Not only do these cages provide good ventilation and fresh air to your ferret, but they are extremely durable and can be cleaned easily.
3. Floor, Ramp, and Platform
Always make sure that the cage floor, ramp, and platform of your ferret’s cage are made of plastic. Even if you are buying a wired cage, these three elements should always be made of plastic.
Below are the two main reasons:
- In cages with a wire floor, your ferret’s feet can get stuck in it. This can cause harm to your furry friend if he gets hyper and tries to pull his paw while it is stuck.
- Plastic trays and flooring are easier to clean. If soiled, you can simply clean the solid floor with a wet cloth and a cleaning solution. Check out this product for cleaning small pet cages.
4. Doors and Locks
It is best to select a cage that has multiple, large doors, that are big enough for you to take all the cage accessories and clean the entire cage. Most of the cages come with double doors.
You should be able to remove all the accessories like hammock and bedding easily through the door.
Ferrets are good escapers. So, you should check the locking of the door to ensure that your ferret cannot escape from the cage.
5. Spacing Between the Bars
Do not select a cage that has too much spacing between the wire mesh. Your ferret can easily escape the cage with this negligence. It is important to pick a secured enclosure.
The bar spacing should not be more than 1 inch. If it is more, your ferret might try to escape, also hurting itself if it gets stuck between the wire bars.
6. Transportation of Cage
If you plan to shift and move your cage around, you should consider purchasing the cage that has wheels with it. Take a look at this Marshall Ferret Mansion.
If you plan to travel with the cage, select a cage accordingly. This Kaytee cage is best for traveling, as it is lightweight.
FAQs on How Big Should a Ferret Cage Be?
1. How Long Should Ferrets Be Out of The Cage?
You should let your ferret be out of the cage for at least 2 hours daily. You must provide them with outdoor time, as they will want to explore their surroundings.
Make sure that the outdoor time is always supervised, as ferrets tend to have a habit of chewing or swallowing anything. Apart from that, they can also hurt themselves accidentally.
2. Where is The Best Place to Put a Ferret Cage?
You should place your ferret’s cage in an area that isn’t very aloof but also not very loud. The reason we say this is because your ferret will need your attention when it’s awake.
But on the contrary, it will also need its sleep. Hence, select a semi-active location of your house to keep your ferret’s cage.
3. How Do I Get My Ferret to Stop Biting the Cage?
You should try applying a bad and bitter-tasting substance to your ferret’s cage. This will discourage him from biting it.
Few options that you can try out include:
- Lemon juice
- Synergy Fooey Ultra Bitter Spray
These are ferret safe products. So, they will not harm your ferret.
Conclusion
Now that you know the answer to How Big Should A Ferret Cage Be? the next step is to follow the guidelines and get the best cage for your ferret.
Always keep in mind that your ferret will spend most of his time in the cage, and hence that should be a safe place for your ferret, devoid of any harmful substances or items that can lead to accidents.
You can take a look at the best ferret cages that we recommend here.
