Questions About Outside Time?

[mjohn143]

Ok I have a few questions about taking the fuzzies outside. Beatrice and Badger have been outside the house a few times on their harnesses, but last Sun my sister and I took them to Riverwalk Park where their is a grove of a couple HUGE trees and nice lush grass. The major plus of this place is it is right off the track so there is really no contact with other animals (plus it is up on a hill so you can look down around the path on either side for quite awhile to see if anyone is coming). Beatrice seemed to really like it, but Badger is just a big baby and kept climbing up my leg. I'd like to do this once a week at least, but need to make sure I know everything first.

1.) What kind of temperatures can they be outside in? I know 80 and up can be fatal, but since it is Dec that is not a concern. I was curious about what is too cold?

2.) How can I get them interested? I have made a dig box with eco-friendly packing peanuts, but Badger hops out immediately and Beatrice just bites them. Maybe I should try rice? I thought they would dig outside, but nothing.

3.) Bug bites? I was really worried about that. Does anyone know anything about ferrets and insect bites?

4.) How do I know if the harness is too tight or too loose? I don't want them to choke or be uncomfortable, but I also don't want them to escape. They have the super pet cloth and mesh harness, not the traditional style.

These questions would help me also bc I would also like to build them an outdoor play area in the future, but if they aren't enjoying the outdoors IDK if it is worth the time or money. They both love digging up my carpet, so I don't understand why they won't dig outside.

[sherrylynne]

1.) What kind of temperatures can they be outside in? I know 80 and up can be fatal, but since it is Dec that is not a concern. I was curious about what is too cold?

If they start shivering when there, it's too long for them. Either put them in your coat to warm up, or bring them in.

2.) How can I get them interested? I have made a dig box with eco-friendly packing peanuts, but Badger hops out immediately and Beatrice just bites them. Maybe I should try rice? I thought they would dig outside, but nothing.

You may have to walk them around a bit. Mine are so interested in everything outside, that they won't dig for about 30 minutes, at least!

3.) Bug bites? I was really worried about that. Does anyone know anything about ferrets and insect bites?

Mosquito bites can bring heartworm if your area is suseptible. Spider bites can cause a myriad of problems your vet will have to check out.

4.) How do I know if the harness is too tight or too loose? I don't want them to choke or be uncomfortable, but I also don't want them to escape. They have the super pet cloth and mesh harness, not the traditional style.

I walk mine in the house for about a half hour, and try to get them to struggle against the harness. That way, if they can slip it, they are in a safe area.

These questions would help me also bc I would also like to build them an outdoor play area in the future, but if they aren't enjoying the outdoors IDK if it is worth the time or money. They both love digging up my carpet, so I don't understand why they won't dig outside.

With practice, they will love the outdoors for the different smells, if nothing else!

[mjohn143]

Thank you for all the info. So you think they will eventually get used to the outside and start enjoying it instead of being scared?

The thing about shivering is that mine ALWAYS shiver when I take them outside...even when its 75 degrees out, so I know they can't be cold... I think they are just babies.

[Kerit]

I think it's an individual thing, like snow or water. Of all mine, three of them seemed to absolutely love being outside, and two hated it and would just try to sit on your feet or, like you said, climb your leg. But it's a pretty big experience at first, so I'd give Badger a chance. Keep their carrier nearby and let him go to it if he wants.

As for temperature, I stay out until I get kinda cold and then we head in, even if they're still having a good time. That's in northern Wisconsin, though, not Georgia! I would think whatever temperatures you have there would be safe for them. Just stay out of the wind (it's -20 with wind chill here today. No outside play for them OR humans )

Digging is fun, but with my boys it also seems to be a reaction to boredom or frustration. Yours haven't had time to get acquainted with outside and all that dirt yet, so it probably just hasn't occurred to them to get to digging!

I would definitely do like Sherry said and test out the harness a bunch indoors.

[mjohn143]

Yea I am just going to keep taking her out and give her a chance... And the temp has yet to get below 40, so hopefully they are shivering from fear or excitement.