Cheap and Easy Ferret Toys You Can Make Yourself

Simple to Make Toys Pet Ferrets Enjoy Playing With

Aug 26, 2009

A variety of interactive toys is a must have for a responsible ferret owner. It can get expensive to buy so many toys, so being able to make ferret toys can save money.

Ferrets can have some destructive tendencies, so any toys that are intended for ferret use must be able to stand up to abuse. There are quite a few manufacturers making sturdy, ferret proof toys, but it can be expensive to purchase enough toys from these companies to keep a ferret entertained. Ferrets easily get bored when playing with the same toys every day. It's possible to make toys to keep ferrets happy out of simple materials you can find in grocery and hardware stores. This can definitely save a ferret owner money.

Rattles, Shakers, and Noisemakers

Kim Schilling, author of Ferrets for Dummies, assures us that most ferrets love noisy toys. She warns about the danger of squeaky toys, which are often made of fabric and stuffing which are easily ingested by ferret. However, there are many hard plastic balls available in pet stores with bells or beads inside. These toys are able to withstand being gnawed on, and are much safer than hard rubber or fabric toys.

The dollar store also has some options that are cheaper than a pet store. Dollar stores often carry the same hard plastic cat toys for a lower price, but another idea is a simple plastic rattle. Check the baby supply aisle for a hard plastic rattle with no soft rubber or fabric parts. The handle makes it easier for the owner to interact with the ferret, by dragging it along the ground or playing tug of war.

The cheapest noisemakers can be made from an empty 20 oz soda or water bottle and some rattling material. Beads, rice, beans, and pebbles all make different noises, and are all fine as long as the bottle cap stays on and the bottle is regularly inspected for cracks or holes. Empty pill bottles work much the same way, but are made of thicker plastic and have a more secure lid, making them even safer for unsupervised play.

Dig Boxes - Spare the Litter Box and Food Dish from Digging

This idea comes from Mary R. Shefferman, a seasoned ferret owner, from Modern Ferret Magazine Issue 27. In her article "Can You Dig It? Your Ferrets Sure Can!", she explains the idea of a dig box, and that it can deter other digging behavior that is undesired. Making a dig box is simple - all you need is a sturdy box, large enough to hold the ferret, and an appropriate digging material.

The box can be cardboard, which can usually be found for free at grocery stores or package stores, or plastic. Plastic containers are recommended, as they are sturdier, are resistant to moisture, and can be used for other things. Plastic boxes can also be used as miniature pools for ferrets who like water, or for storage when they're not full of digging material.

There are many different digging materials. It's recommended to try many types of material so the ferret can have varied experiences. Safe materials include:

Digging and Chasing are Natural Instincts for a Ferret

By giving the pet ferret an appropriate and fun place to dig, you can discourage the digging of food bowls, litter boxes, and carpet. Noisy toys give a ferret something to track and chase, which simulates the hunting of prey. Both of these activities can add a lot of mental and physical stimulation for a pet ferret, and neither require expensive equipment or technical skills to make.

"Can You Dig It? Your Ferret Sure Can!" by Mary R. Shefferman, Modern Ferret Magazine Issue #27.

The copyright of the article Cheap and Easy Ferret Toys You Can Make Yourself in Pet Care is owned by Jessica Kolifrath. Permission to republish Cheap and Easy Ferret Toys You Can Make Yourself in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.