Starting out

[Westy76 546]

After asking all sorts of questions on here and going out with a couple of good lads off here who have said they'll help me start out I've picked up 3 albino ferrets that were local to me,2 jills and 1 hob that were this years kits.

All lively healthy ferrets that have settled in well to there new home,I'm looking to make a new home for them with plenty of room to run about in but what wood should I be looking to use,what to treat it with and what gauge mesh to use?

Had a look at the hutches/runs thread and I might rob a idea or 2 of there!

Also how do you lads get them ready for work fitness wise and what about getting them used to collars before going out?

Also looking for a mk3 finder and collars I know it's gonna be hard to find one at the start of the season but if you don't ask you don't get.

Cheers to the lads that have given advice and are helping me out with gear and nets really appreciate it

[simonrocco 175]

this is one that im going to be making when i can afford the wood ill be making it out of 9mm ply wood and slate lats and using the same sort of mesh that you can see in the pic i hope this gives you a few ideas atb pal

[Keeps 403]

I have some nets that are of no use to me, unused, they just need pegs on them. You are more than welcome to have them - let me know if you'd like them and I'll pop them in the post to you.

[Westy76 546]

Very nice mate looks great but a bit beyond me!!

The fella I picked them up from had a nice set up which I was robbing the main idea from it was 6 ft high 4 ft wide and 3 ft deep with a nest box on the side and also a separate feeding box accessed by a pipe to try and keep the flies down and all ramps and pipes inside to keep them busy inside,What do you think?

[Westy76 546]

I have some nets that are of no use to me, unused, they just need pegs on them. You are more than welcome to have them - let me know if you'd like them and I'll pop them in the post to

you.

Thanks keeps I really appreciate that I'll pm my address to you

[Keeps 403]

No problem, just let me know

[simonrocco 175]

Very nice mate looks great but a bit beyond me!!

The fella I picked them up from had a nice set up which I was robbing the main idea from it was 6 ft high 4 ft wide and 3 ft deep with a nest box on the side and also a separate feeding box accessed by a pipe to try and keep the flies down and all ramps and pipes inside to keep them busy inside,What do you think?

sounds like a good set up pal i keep mine in my garage so dont get many flies in there. that set up sounds like it has plenty of room for them to get plenty of exersize which should keep them fit. atb pal

[muddy210 34]

get the collars on them well before you want to work them while they are in there run put them on and let them have a run round for an hour or so for a few days try to associate something good with putting the collars on ie feeding or ferretone if you are strugling. i usually put 1 on the older ferrets let him/her have a run in the hutch then do the younger ones they seem to get the idea then.

 

in the hutch have plenty of pipes and stuff for play aqs for fitness my kids like to walk mine so they get fit through that a bit plus running in the garden

[Westy76 546]

yeah ill try that,still getting to grips with them handling wise as there a little bit nippy but only if im a bit quick with them so ill try the collars soon as i can get them on them.

Any tips for introducing then to my pup?

[muddy210 34]

let the pup have a sniff of your hands after youve held them for a few days just to get the smell of them them holding your ferret near to the pup let him have a sniff build up the contact slowly then let them share a bowl of lamlac or similar take it steady though and watch 100%.

 

just keep handling them kits the more the better and then some more

[BunnyBolter 16]

i made a hutch out of shuttering ply my old man took from work , good stuff and has a black layer on it which is water proof , as for introducing the pup to them let them around for a play and introduce the pup , yeah the ferrets may give a nip but tell the pup steady and then praise it , atb mate Jack

[Westy76 546]

let the pup have a sniff of your hands after youve held them for a few days just to get the smell of them them holding your ferret near to the pup let him have a sniff build up the contact slowly then let them share a bowl of lamlac or similar take it steady though and watch 100%.

 

just keep handling them kits the more the better and then some more

yeah thats what i thought,cleaned them out earlier and handled them plenty no nips

i made a hutch out of shuttering ply my old man took from work , good stuff and has a black layer on it which is water proof , as for introducing the pup to them let them around for a play and introduce the pup , yeah the ferrets may give a nip but tell the pup steady and then praise it , atb mate Jack

my pup is real steady so fingers crossed.

thanks guys

[Westy76 546]

Thanks rascal for the nets last night,nice to meet you

[Westy76 546]

Double post.

Edited October 28, 2011 by Westy76

[rascal_2005 79]

no problem buddy! was good to put a face to the name, maby next time we will walk away without haveing to course ourselfs, if you know what i meen lol