There are many different cage and bedding options for your ferrets. From free roaming, to outdoor enclosures, to indoor cages you have many options for housing your ferrets. Keep in mind that any ferret kept in a cage MUST have a lot of time outside of the cage to play every day, and even uncaged ferrets need regular interaction and attention. Also be aware of how many ferrets you plan to keep and provide enough space for sleep spaces, feeding spaces, litter boxes, and room to play. If you have multiple ferrets they will often all cram in to the smallest bed in the cage in one pile – that said, you should ensure that there is enough space for your ferrets to sleep separately and have some space from each other if they are feeling fed-up with their cage-mates.
Check out the Forum Board: Creative Rooms and Cages for ideas!
Cages are only one method of keeping ferrets. For additional options see:
Once you pick your cage, check out Choosing Litter for your Ferret, Ferret Litter Chart, and Bedding ideas, as well as info on choosing Water Dishes.
Midwest Ferret Nation (FN)
Ferret Nation cages are the most popular cage option in the U.S. and Canada. They provide maximal floor space with a reasonable footprint. Cage levels are full-levels, with half level shelves to minimize height/fall risks. Additionally, the cages can be purchased in single level or double level models, with an optional add-on story for three-level cages AND they can be modified to attach side-by-side to create a “double wide.” Each level can be closed off via folding ramps. This makes these cages highly customizable and versatile. They break down for travel and shipping.
The cages are also some of the safest ferret cages on the market, including solid floor pans and double-locking door mechanisms that make escape extremely difficult. The full-front doors and removable floor and shelf trays make these cages VERY easy to clean, which is a huge consideration.
Because these cages are so popular, there are many sources of customized bedding sets that are easily available or you can make your own.
FN 141, 142, and 143 refer to the older model cages. They tend to be of heavier construction, use permanent bolts rather than clip-mechanisms for assembly, and are a slightly different dimension from the 180-model cages, making it more challenging to connect the cages if you have different models. The newer models are the FN 180, 182, and 183.
These cages are commonly available second hand on craigslist, kijiji, FB marketplace, and other venues. They can be scrubbed clean with a stiff-bristled brush and some hot, soapy water. Lay the parts out in the sun to dry at an angle to allow water to drain and dry thoroughly before reassembling. If you are using an older model (FN 140 series) coating the screws with a thin swipe of petroleum jelly will help if you ever need to disassemble again.
You can purchase a ramp specifically made for the FN cages, use pet steps, or you can build your own ramp to aid entry and egress.
There are also many “off-brand” cages that are similar to FN cages. UK and Australian members may find the very similar Savic Royal Suite and Savic XL more available
Midwest Critter Nation
The Critter Nation cages are identical to the Ferret Nation but are designed with narrower bar spacing, and horizontal bars (instead of vertical). Be aware that the horizontal bars can make cage climbing easier.
Prevue Hendryx Feisty Ferret
The Feisty Ferret is a lower priced cage similar in looks to the Ferret Nation. While they are secure, there are some definite drawbacks to this cage:
- It is slightly smaller than the Ferret/Critter Nation.
- Only one of the doors on each level will open. The other is a stationary panel, which can make cleaning more difficult.
- The shelves are very small…almost to the point of being unusable
- The floor of the upper level is not solid, but is wire, which is uncomfortable to fuzzy feet and prolonged exposure can cause bumblefoot or arthritis.
- There is also some concern about the center opening potentially allowing a fall directly to the bottom of the cage.
There are ways to mitigate those drawbacks, such as inserting a solid floor surface on the upper level (many ferrents use self-adhesive floor tiles for cleanability). The addition of fleece blankets, hammocks, and beds can cushion a fall.
The benefits of this cage are the solid ramps and the price. The smaller shelves do leave plenty of room for hammocks and hanging cubes.
These cages can be purchased as single or double versions, but cannot be modified or merged later, unlike the Midwest Ferret/Critter Nation.
Super-Pet (now Kaytee)
SuperPet Cages are very common, and can be used to house a single or small business of ferrets (2-3). Unfortunately, these cages are not very sturdy and often need reinforcement to prevent collapse and/or escapes. Additionally, they are notoriously difficult to clean. The taller versions of these cages also pose a fall risk so it is important to put many beds, hammocks, ramps, or custom shelves throughout the cage to prevent your ferret from falling from a top shelf and injuring themselves.
The smaller versions of these cages (links below) should only be used for one ferret, temporary caging, or travel/medical cages.
Rabbit/Guinea Pig Cages
These cages are great options for a ferret that is only caged for a short portion of the day, for sleeping spots for ferrets who free roam or have a ferret room, for medical cages, or travel cages.
These cages are NOT large enough to be used as a full-time cage – even for one ferret.
Travel/Medical Cages
Small cages, such as rabbit/guinea pig cages are easily modified to make great travel cages or medical cages for isolating your ferret when (s)he needs close monitoring or separation from the rest of the business. Check out this Easy Travel Cage
Safer Cages
To prevent injury to toes (and penises), we recommend all wire ramps should have fabric covers. These can be anything from custom made ramp covers to even stretchy knee socks.
The Lower shelf of cages should be blocked with panels, bins, beds, or drawers to prevent a ferret from falling off the ramp and impacting their delicate spine.
If you have older or infirm ferrets that are still using ramps, you can use cheap black drain pipe from the hardware store cut to fit and zip tied to the ramp so they don’t lose their balance and fall.
On both older and newer Ferret Nation cages, add a zip tie to each door, wrapping around the door frame as well. You’ll need to leave it a bit loose to allow the full swing of the door. (See Photo).
