| So you've decided that a ferret is for you? Great | | | | use a litter box. This is a process that could take up |
| choice! These little creatures are a lot of fun and can | | | | to a month so be patient and remember that you will |
| bring a lot of joy to owners, plus they can even be | | | | get there eventually. You should start litter box |
| trained to use a litter box like a cat. But before you | | | | training by letting them run around your bathroom so |
| let your ferret loose in your place there are a few | | | | they get used to roaming and any mess is easily |
| points which you will need to work through first. | | | | cleaned up. |
| The very first thing you need to do before you can | | | | Ferrets tend to do their business when they wake |
| let your ferret free to run around freely is to 'ferret | | | | from sleeping or after eating, this is your opportunity |
| proof' the environment. Ferrets are curious and very | | | | for training. After either of these activities, place your |
| capable climbers so they can easily bring harm upon | | | | ferret in the litter box and do not allow it out until it |
| themselves by getting somewhere they shouldn't. | | | | has done its business. Immediately after completing |
| Start from the ground up keeping in mind that if their | | | | its business reward the ferret with a treat such as a |
| head can fit somewhere the rest of their body | | | | piece of cooked meat. The idea is that through |
| probably can too. Look for potential hazards such as | | | | repetition the ferret learns to associate using the |
| crevices, loose ventilation covers, and small openings. | | | | litter box with receiving a treat and will eventually |
| This will need to be done for every room which your | | | | just start using the litter box of its own accord. |
| ferret will have access to. Keep in mind that ferrets | | | | Negative reinforcement such as smacking will not |
| can chew and have been known to get inside | | | | produce this sort of behavior, it will only make the |
| couches, appliances and tubing. These items can be | | | | ferret afraid of you so this should not be done- stick |
| very dangerous, not too mention it can be very | | | | to the treats. Even after your ferret has been |
| difficult to get the ferret back out. This may mean | | | | trained to use the litter box it may still do a little |
| that you will need to make certain rooms off limits | | | | business outside of the box every now and then so |
| for your ferret. | | | | be prepared to accept this. |
| To get your ferret acquainted with your place you | | | | Ferrets love exploring and need lots of exercise so |
| should take it around inside a cage first. This will let | | | | time outside of their cage is important. But how |
| the ferret relax in its new surroundings and become | | | | much of your place they have access to is a crucial |
| accustomed to a new environment. Before you can | | | | consideration as certain areas may be impossible to |
| let your ferret run loose you will want to train it to | | | | fully 'ferret proof'. |