Pipes and Mesh, how small and how big can they be?

[smcg 0]

Hi folks,

 

My son and I are building a set-up to keep his ferrets (when he gets them this summer!). We are going to have a hutch in a shed linked to an outside run by pipes.

 

1) What is biggest mesh we can use for the wire? I know a lot of folk use 1" x 1" but I want to use as big as possible (so that I can see through the run, as it's going to be between kitchen window and garden). He will be getting this year's jill kits.

 

2) What is smallest diameter for the pipes? We want to create a sort of maze of linked pipes, probably using utility duct, but the narrower it is then the cheaper and more flexable round the corners.

 

Only last question while I'm here.

 

3) We've obviously read about the need to ventilate the shed to avoid overheating. If they can get out to a shadded spot are Ferrets smart enough to realise they are over heating and go somewhere cooler?

 

Sorry if answers are already in the forum, I did a few searches, found lots of other answers, including some stuff I'd never have even guessed to ask but nothing on these 3 questions.

 

By the way - my boy is 9 years old and he's never been so excited about anything as he is about getting his ferrets in July. His enthusiasm has already convinced one of his mates' dad to get another pair!

 

Just found the poll thingy.

 

Aye,

S

Edited February 24, 2011 by smcg

[Joe67 239]

welcome to the forums mate,am a newbie so cant really help but am sure there will be a few members replying/helping soon.ill watch this for pipe size as am looking to link 2 hutchs together using pipe.

[Ideation 8,216]

Hello. I'll start the ball rolling, by saying that, if the ferrets are asleep, then they may not know to move if over heating. I'd just make sure you can ventilate the shed if needed as heat can really build up sometimes. You can also, if your worried, make up a bottle with water, frozen, put in a sock and popped into their run.

[Kay 3,709]

mesh size as long as its able to take the nozzle off a bottle then its ok.. i wouldnt go for anything to big size wise as they are able to squeeze there way out of mesh if your not carefull

 

ferrets can & do often die from heat exhaustion .. so the best place to put a shed is in the shadey part of the garden in the hight of the summer

 

they have no way off cooling down naturally so there brains cook literally.. but as already suggested placing frozen water bottles in socks placed in there cage & run will help :thumbs:

[The one 8,481]

Ive always used inch by inch weldmesh and never had to worry about a kit getting its head ect stuck, with pipe i just use drainage pipe and i dont know the dimensions

[Rhodey 96]

Inch weld mesh for all hutches, my jills all can use 3" pipe no problem. As for getting into the shade as long as the familiar with it they will find the coolest/warmest place to sleep. Animals aren't stupid if there to hot they will seek shade.

[f mac 40]

90mm drainage pipe 1x1 weldmesh dont be tempted to use chicken wire its to flexible

Edited February 24, 2011 by f mac

[terrierjohn 49]

90mm drainage pipe 1x1 weldmesh dont be tempted to use chicken wire its to flexible

aye and the chicken wire can be bitten through very easily by a ferret that wants out

 

masters of escape the wee buggers

[smcg 0]

Cheers folks. Thanks to all who voted or posted a reply. I've bought 1" squared mesh and 4" utility duct ( lovely shade of purple to add some colour to the flower bed). Construction has started. It will be a few weekends of effort but I will post some photos once it's done, and some more in July when it's occupied.

 

 

 

Ta,

Stephen

[Joe67 239]

do a guide for other members

 

good luck with the build