How to Build a Ferret Wire Cage
Wire cages are better for ferrets than aquariums because wire cages not only let in proper ventilation, but also the ferrets enjoy climbing about on the material. Although ferrets need to have several hours a day outside of the cage for exercise and enrichment, a cage is good for emergencies and for keeping them safe overnight.
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Things You'll Need
- Heavy gauge wire fencing with 1-inch x half-inch holes
- Soldering gun
- Dremel, electric metal saw or wire cutters
- Pliers
- Assorted corner clips
- Door hinges
- Measuring tape
Instructions
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1
Cut six sheets to 60-inches by 60-inches (or bigger) of fencing. Sometimes, this can be done at the same store where you purchase the wire. One sheet will be the bottom, one the top and the other four will make up the sides.
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2
Attach the bottom of the wall sheets to the floor sheet with the pliers. Use a soldering gun to help bend the wire, if necessary. Attach corner clips to keep it in place. The result will be a cage without a top.
The top will act as a lid as well as a ceiling. -
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3
Make the door by attaching door hinges to the top corners of the door sheet and where they connect onto the cage. Anytime the wire edges get rough, use a Dremel grinder wheel or a soldering gun to smooth it out.
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4
Try out the lid a few times to see if it easily lifts and locks into place. Depending on how clever the ferret is, an additional latch may be necessary.
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5
Add all of the ferret's cage accessories, such as littler box, toys, water bottle and sleeping bag or other nesting material.
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Tips & Warnings
Ferrets Magazine recommends keeping the cage indoors where the temperature is between 35 and 80 degrees Farenheight. Once you get used to working with wire, you can modify the cage to attach to tubes such as 4-inch JET hose or to another cage. Many hardware or DIY stores will have tools like a Dremel for rent.
Don't use coated wire if possible, because the ferrets will chew all of the coating off and this could make them very ill.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Image from Wikimedia Commons.
