Your ferret's accommodations can be as simple as a cage or as elaborate as a multi-level condo specifically designed for ferret . . . or some individuals simply "ferret-proof" a spare small bedroom in the house for him. Most people opt for some type of cage or condo-like structure.  As you browse your pet store, you will be amazed at the wide variety from which you have to choose. And if you do not like any of those (or they should be slightly out of your price range) then it is time to search the internet. You may find something there that works for you. But if not, you still have several more options. Check out magazines which are devoted to ferrets, like Modern Ferret Magazine.

No matter what type of cage or condo you decide on, make sure  you provide your ferret with a litter area, a separate feeding areas as well as a sleeping area. What you may not know about your future roommate is that he likes to discover dark and private areas. This is where he feels really safe to curl up, fully Deluxe Ferret Cage Hammock Bed W Sherpa - Red relax and sleep. Once you get his condo home, you should be sure to put some type of box or even a large tube where he can go to "hide" safely and nap. This is part of every ferret's routine.

If you are looking into the truly deluxe version of ferret condos, then you are in for a real treat. And so is your fuzzy friend. These elaborate homes come already equipped with hanging hammocks, tubes in which to play, as well as distinct eating and litter box areas. Everything a ferret could possibly want! There are only two things that limit how elaborate you can get with housing your ferret. The first is your imagination and the second is your budget.

But remember your ferret probably will not care a whole bunch. He cares more that his surroundings are clean. And he cares even more that the people he is living with care for him . . . treat him well . . . and love him.  And that is the bottom line to any person-pet relationship, now isn't it?

Ferrets may be best known for being balls of furry non-stop energy. But, believe it or not sooner or later they do get tired! And when they get tired they really do appreciate a soft bed. Surprisingly, there are not really fussy about what constitutes a bed. The main criteria they look for is softness and burrowing potential. Ferrets they tend to sleep 18 to 20 hours a day. So if you think your ferret is sleeping a lot. He probably is. But his metabolism needs all this sleep.  So please do not wake him up so you can play with him.  (Even though he may do that do you!)

Keep this in mind while your accessorizing his cage even before you bring him home. Ferrets are notorious for loving hammocks (it probably has something to do with how their bodies are shaped!), as well as sleep sacks, sleep cubes, and beds. Heck, if you have nothing else for them, they will even appreciate a T-shirt or some fleece. Ferrets love nothing better than to burrow into their bedding in their sleep (You have heard of sleep walking? Ferrets sleep burrow. Go figure!)

A common mistake ferret owners make is assuming their ferret is naturally inclined to use a litter box like a cat does. This is not true. Ferrets are separated from their mothers at an early age and never receive the stage at which mama ferret teaches them to use a litter box.

With that said ferrets are intelligent, trainable animals. Generally, the easiest way to train a ferret is with positive reinforcement. Simply put, by offering them a reward for performing a behavior you desire.

First: If you don't have a cage, get one. It is very important that your ferret have a place to sleep, eat, play and use the litter box.

Initially, keep your ferret confined to the cage with a litter box. The ferret needs to get used to a small confined area, and become comfortable using his litter box before you can expand his play and roam areas.

Make sure the litter box covers two sides of the cage and secure it so your ferret cannot move or tip it over. The front lip of the litter box should be low enough to allow your ferret easy access. There are several commercial brands made specifically for ferrets.

Use a dust free litter. I like Marshall Ferret Liter. It is made from specially processed recycled newspaper that stops odor. Avoid scented and clumping sand litters. Because ferrets Marshall Ferret Corner Lounge Cage Hammock - Red like to dig, the litter can get caught in their nose or throat. Perfumed litters can harm a ferrets sensitive nasal passages or cause allergic reactions. Never use wood shavings in a ferrets cage. Respiratory problems could develop over a period of time. If you run out of regular litter, shredded newspaper or paper towels are recommended.

At first your ferret may think of his litter box as a place to play. To correct this place some of his feces and urine soaked litter in one corner of the litter box. Ferrets rely on smell to find their toilet, so by smelling their feces and urine in their litter box they will realize this is where they should go to the bathroom. When cleaning the litter box, always put a little feces back in the box until litter training is complete.

Because ferrets have a small digestive tract food will pass through their bodies in just 2-3 hours. Upon waking in the morning your ferret will usually have to use the facilities within five minutes. You may have to place him in the litter box facing the used litter. Only let your ferret out of his cage after he has used his litter box.

Things to remember when litter box training your ferret:

1) Always secure the litter box to the cage. If you don't your ferret will move it, tip it over and potty behind or next to it.

2) If your ferret starts using other areas of the cage to potty put his water and foods bowls in the spots you don't want him to go. Also, place bedding in specific areas of the cage. Your ferret will associate these as eating and sleeping places and won't potty there.

3) Use positive reinforcement - reward your ferret with his favorite treat when he uses the litter box.

4) If your ferret does have an accident move the stool into the litter box. Your ferret finds his litter box by smell. Smelling his feces in the litter box will ensure your ferret will use it again.

5) Never yell or hit your ferret. This is counter productive and will only confuse him. Never discipline your ferret for going outside the litter box after the fact. If you don't witness the act, punishing your ferret later will not help. He just won't understand what he's being punished for.

6) Scoop out the litter box on a daily basis, and wash the litter box on a weekly basis. Remember to keep a little piece of stool in the box.

After a short time it will become habit for your ferret to use the litter box. Patient and consistent training will produce a ferret with good litter habits, which in turn makes for less cleanup time for you and more time for you to enjoy your boundless bundle of joy.