My buisnes of Three needs some stimulation.

[AnimalFarm2006]

Howdy again,

I've been slacking off with getting my kids to play, and i've noticed that monster realy doesn't have a lot of arm strength. He can't pull himself over and out of a tub of bean i just got for them.

So what kind of things can i get for monster to help him build muscle? He never got out of the cage at his old home so he's mostly fatt. Jack atleast helps him by playing, and they love their tubes.

Also, I was wondering if it is normal to have A smart ferret, lelloo, who knows one trick, but usualy finds away to be mean to her mommy. A calm, and collected ferret, like my sweet jack jack before playtime, than he's a terror at biting your hands. and like an apprentice ferret, monster who is still learning how to be ferret like? What kinds of enrichment can i give to each of my special types of ferrets. Jack loves snorkling, but it's been raining, or cold, or i've been too busy with prom coming up to do much with the water deal.

Thanks,
cara

[sherrylynne]

The best way I found for mine to take off weight, and build up strength was to use a cat teaser up and down the stairs. Vincent could not resist chasing it. I'd just stand in the middle of the stairs, and run it up, then down, then up, then down. The first few times, he'd only do it for a couple of minutes, but now, he'll chase it for 20-30 non-stop. And all over the house. Including up, across, and down the furniture. Tires me out before he is
With the biter, Heather gave me a really good idea. Only pick him up when you've got a treat in your other hand. That way he learns hands mean good things.

[Heather]

My guys love playing in the cat towers that are all over the house (they were originally set up so the cat could get away from the ferrets )


I've also set up tunnel systems on the stairs. They have to really use their upper body to go up and down this systems

Their tunnel system that leads to the outside play area also does a lot to build upper body strength. Unfortunately, my little Babushka can get down to play but then gets stuck trying to negotatiate up the tunnels. She just doesn't have the strength or the stamina. The drop in the tunnel is about one and a half stories. That being said, I watched her pull herself up the cat tower with relative ease so even she's getting stronger. Not bad for a 10 yr old lady who couldn't even get from the living room down the hallway when she first came here to live.


You have to remember that most of my guys have come to me after a lifetime of being caged often in single story cages and have little if any muscle tone. By playing on the various tunnels and climbing apparatus they work the muscles in their bodies and are able to better get around. I'm in the process of creating a fallen limb set up in their play area outside that will not only work their climbing skills but also their balance and their analytical skills.
ciao

[AnimalFarm2006]

Well, I wish we had stairs!!! I might end up trying to take them for more walks outside and see if they would play as well. Usualy on walks, My fuzzies ignore me. I might try to get them to go up the stairs on the porch.
Does anyone have any pictures or easy ideas on home made cat trees? I have wood, and nails, glue, and a home improvment type father. Plus, I will do anything for my kids.
Also, My walls can't suport anything heavy so puting pipes on walls doesn't work. The ferret room is rather small and most of their toys are under my futon. I'll take a photo to see if you guys have any ideas on putting more climbing things in their.

Congrats on your little girl getting stronger! This is my first case of having to realy train a ferret. Monster has some poopie in the litter box issues, and still hasn't truely bonded with me. I am hoping with acualy playing with them, and teaching him a trick or two like lelloo, that rythms ^.^, would get him back into the swing of things.

[suds]

I very fun activity that most ferts and ferrents enjoy is a game of chase just chase him around and let him chase you around for 15 to 20 mins a day will help with the bonding and help with gaining muscle and stamina , another fun thing is to drag a towel on the floor he can jump and grab on for rides great for front legs.

[mustelidmusk]

Hi Suds!
SInce all my brats are close in age, I remove the ramps in their cages and the ramp leading into their cage is very steep so they need to push with those hind legs.

Also, summer usually results in a less vigorous appetite.
stairs are great - as long as they don't go over the edge.

I also take mine out for walks, when they get about a block away, they can small the house iunless the breeze is going in the opposite direction. Once they smell home, they want to run home they want to run home - so I get some exercise too!!!
My brats are really chickens in disguise - so they get carried a lot on walks.

Here's the latest ply toy - an old screen leaning against the wall - the brats (especially the girls) love to run up the screen and release their claws to slide back down - butt first. (my kids NEVER have access to screens that are serving their intended purpose - the screen gets intentionally removed for their room air conditioner in the summer.)

-jennifer

-jennifer

[AnimalFarm2006]

I have the levels of my cage where they have to climb to get too them, so atleast that helps. I also have two hammocks, and the food/water on the one big level.

I took the kids for a water walk. Monster had a blast running around in the water while jac and lee were less than happy.

[mustelidmusk]

Sounds hilarious - my Kachna is a "water-phobe" - her "Little Pincess" attitude affords us great amusement

ANother ferret game that all ferrets love is dragging an old towel across the room. They'll chase it, pounce on it, try to climb it, and slip off the end of the towel (especially with a little help )

Give that game a try - I've never seen a healthy fert turn down that activity.

Tips for more bonding - use a "dirty" towel that has your scent on it. (sleep on the towel so it will pick up your scent). Also, dragging a pair of your dirty jeans works great as well...you can drag the jeans by the waist band, and them switch to drag them by the pant legs. It's a whole new game - of chase, and your feet will not be in as much danger

Have fun!!!
-jennifer

[novemberkris]

I second the jeans motion. Not only do they chase it, but when they figure out the legs are "tunnels" it is priceless. Also, when Paulie was a baby I'd leave my fuzzy robe on the floor after I work up and he'd curl up in it (see my sig). I think that helped bonding. He'll still crawl in it sometimes, when he doesn't crawl in the drawer with my clothes or in the bed with me.

For the chub issue, Paulie loves to chase a teaser onto my chair, or bed, or whatever, and wardance on the springy furniture, fall onto the floor, then chase some more. In fact, bed games are tons of fun--he bounces on top, chases a blanket, crawls between the covers, and attacks pillows. That's a good ferret romp.

[katt]

May 5, 2009 19:07:45 GMT -5 sherrylynne said:

The best way I found for mine to take off weight, and build up strength was to use a cat teaser up and down the stairs. Vincent could not resist chasing it. I'd just stand in the middle of the stairs, and run it up, then down, then up, then down. The first few times, he'd only do it for a couple of minutes, but now, he'll chase it for 20-30 non-stop. And all over the house. Including up, across, and down the furniture. Tires me out before he is
With the biter, Heather gave me a really good idea. Only pick him up when you've got a treat in your other hand. That way he learns hands mean good things.

Sounds like a great way to get exercise yourself if you can get the ferret to chase you with it too! haha I wouldn't mind a fun workout like that!