Free and Inexpensive Ferret Toys

Ferrets, like kids, can get bored with their toys, and nothing excites them more than something new to play with. Fortunately, new toys don't need to be expensive.

Who Let the Ferret Out of the Bag?

If you buy your ferret a toy, you might find that the ferret enjoys the bag you brought it home in more than the toy itself. Ferrets love paper bags (they love plastic bags, too, but watch them to make sure they don't suffocate or eat the plastic). A regular paper grocery bag can be the source of hours of fun. Wine bags are also great; you can cut the bottom out to create a tunnel for your ferret.

Boxes are also popular with ferrets. The fridge pack soda boxes are the perfect shape and size for ferrets. If your ferret gets bored with regular bags and boxes, try cutting holes for the ferret to crawl through; just make sure that the ferrets can't get stuck in the holes.

Born to Dig

Ferrets love to dig. For them, it's more than playing; it's natural instinct. If you do not give your ferrets a place to dig, they will find something on their own, and you might not approve of their choice. Therefore, it is best to supply them with a dig box. A dig box can be any cardboard or plastic box filled with something suitable for digging. Many ferret owners use uncooked long grain rice, although this made my ferrets sneeze. Biodegradable packing peanuts also work; just make sure they are biodegradable because your ferrets may eat them. Puzzles are also a great option. You can pick up a large puzzle (2000-piece puzzles work well) at your local thrift store for a couple of bucks.

In addition to digging, ferrets also love tunneling. Wine bag tunnels, as a described above, work well, but ferrets will also tunnel in your clothes - whether or not you're wearing them! Old t-shirts, especially long sleeved ones, are great for tunneling. Just make sure you watch your ferret, because some may try to eat the shirt.

Good, Clean Fun

Some, although not all, ferrets love water. I have seen some ferrets have lots of fun trying to climb into a small water bowl or splash all the water out of it. If your ferret loves water, let your ferret play with toys during bath time. When it's not time for a bath, let your ferret play with a water bowl. Ferrets are adapted for cold climates and can overheat easily, so if the weather's warm you can also give your ferret an ice cube to play with. Even if it's not hot, your ferret will probably enjoy this.

The More the Merrier

Ferrets are not solitary animals. If you only have one ferret, consider getting another one. However, make sure the ferrets get along, especially if your ferret is older and accustomed to being alone.

Your ferret will also enjoy playing with you. Chase your ferret around or use an old t-shirt to play tug-of-war. Let them climb on you; they love this.