You have one or more ferrets and think that maybe it would be better for them to live outdoors.
You might be right, but the decision about where you should place your pet(s) is not that simple because, a climate of your area is important criteria (average yearly temperature, number of rainy or snowy days…) size and safety of your backyard, exposure to insects and parasites (mosquito, bees, making a proper hutch outside, etc
Also you need to think about the reasons for this decision as well as do you want to place your ferret(s) outside permanently or you would like to keep them outside when the weather is nice …
Ok, I have done a research and found many interesting things you should keep in mind in case you want that your furball lives outside.
Table of Contents
What outside temperature is suitable for your ferret?
Questions like Where do you live? What is the air temperature all year round? are important for deciding if the area you live is suitable for keeping the ferrets outside.
Ferrets are very sensitive to the temperature. They better tolerate low temperatures than high ones.
Your pet will be very happy if the temperature range is from 55-80F (13-26C ) but any temperature over that is too high and can cause a stroke so consider it as life-threatening.
If the temperature is lower then 55F it is too cold for the ferret but that can be solved if you put additional bedding material ( more blankets, old clothes ) or even the animal safe heater which can maintain the inner temperature at about 55F.
Opposite to this, for summer months you can buy mobile AC which can help your ferret stay safe at higher temperatures but remember no to place this device too close to the outdoor enclosure.
Heavy rain or snow and direct sunlight are also weather elements you should protect your ferret from, if it lives outdoors.
The conclusion, when it comes to air temperature is that you can let your ferret live outside all year round only if you live in the area with a stable , mild climate. If you have very strong winters and very hot summers then you need yo think about the idea to let your ferret live outside only during the spring /fall months.
How should ferrets home outside look like?
This topic is closely related to the previous one ( the climate and temperatures ). Ok, if you decided to let your pet live outside, you need to provide a proper home for it.
- I found the information that the outdoor enclosure should be 6x 6x 6 ft big and this size is perfect for 1-3 ferrets. In case you have more, add 2ft to each dimension for every additional ferret. You can buy this kind of ferret home or you can make by yourself but if you do not have any previous construction experience it is better to buy it in some pet store. For this purpose you can buy the hutch for small animals or rabbit hutch.
- Perfect hutch should have multiple levels to keep your pet(s) well active and entertained.
- Always think about safety – the lock on the hutch should be solid and not easy to open. Ferrets are very clever animals so never leave their home unlocked.
- Also bear in mind that space between the bars on the hutch should not be bigger then 1 inch as if it is ,ferrets will easily find the way out of the cage.
How to set up ferrets home outside
Before you buy anything look around your back yard and find the best possible place for it.If you have some old shed that could be converted to perfect ferret home, use it.
If you have some part of the back yard that has some wall or fence, put the hutch there as it will be necessary to protect the enclosure from the strong winds, heavy rains and snow,as well as direct sunlight.
You can do that by putting some wooden panels over to the top of the hutch. Also perfect would be to protect your pet’s home by placing at least 1 or even better 2 sidewalls.
After you bought the right outdoor enclosure and you have chosen the perfect place for it, next step is ‘furnishing’
In one corner you can put the food and water bowls /containers but make sure both are more heavy ones so your pet cannot tip them over easily.
Some ferret owners are concerned about water during the winter months. Water can freeze in the bowl if it is too cold and one solution could be for you to buy heated water bowl and water will never freeze. When buying this bowl you should pay attention to a power cord, which has to be well protected so it cannot be chewed.
In another corner you can make a bed for your pet. Bedding can be made of blankets, you can put some old clothes, straw, hay …. you can also buy cat basket, your ferret will sleep as a baby in it. But the ferrets also adore cozy hammock, do not forget to put one, your pet will be grateful.
In the opposite corner of the food corner put the litter box. Ferrets do not like to go to the bathroom the same place where they eat and sleep. It is advisable to put a strong smell -fighting litter.
The majority of the ferret owners suggest the Marshal Ferret litter as the best option, it is totally safe for your pet, does not contain dust, it is highly absorbent and controls odor very well.
Next thing is toys. Put all of the entertaining elements such as tubes, tunnels, toys ( ferrets are big fans of mice toys and balls )
Steps before moving your pet outside
There are certain steps before you really let your pet live outside. Ok, you bought ( or made by yourself ) the proper home for your furball, you found the right place for it in your back yard, put the perfect furnishing and all necessary things. Now it is time to move the ferret. Not so fast.
First you should see the vet, explain to him/her your idea and ask for advice. Your pet will be more exposed to different viruses, bacteria, insects, mosquitos ( these are particularly dangerous as ferret can be infected with heart-worm if bitten by a mosquito) and other threats so it would be good to get the advice from your vet on additional vaccination and maybe some medication.
Another thing is that you should introduce your pet to the outdoor area gradually. You can let him explore outside area 20 min every day for one week and then you can gradually increase the time it spends outside.
The perfect time for this is spring or fall, when the temperatures are mild and ideal for ferrets ( between 55-80 F / 13-26C )Avoid this process in case of heavy rain and strong wind.
Precaution tip
Try not to use fertilizers or weed killers around the enclosure. These are very harmful to ferrets health. If you must use it then move your ferret inside and do not let it return to its outside home for at least 24h
