Cheap Toys and Games for Ferrets

Part of the appeal of pet ferrets is that they remain playful well into adulthood, but six to eight years (the average lifespan of a ferret) worth of ferret toys can really do a number on your bank account. No worries! All your ferrets need for a rich and wonderful playtime can be found right around your own home.

The Dirty Sock

Strange as it may sound, lots of ferrets go crazy for that stinky foot smell that lingers on your socks well after your feet have left them. This "toy" can be available as often as you change socks (which is every day you wear them, I assume... I hope). If your ferret isn't into worn socks, or if you just don't like the idea of your ferret rolling around in dirty laundry, try appealing to his or her innate digging instincts.

The Tub of Beans

Ferrets were made to dig. In fact, the domestic ferrets' first jobs were to tunnel into rabbit holes and drive out game for their masters to hunt. If you don't plan to take your ferret hunting anytime soon, give him or her the next best thing: a tub of beans. I use a square, plastic tub made for washing dishes to hold a few bags worth of beans. Each bag costs around two bucks and can usually be found on your pantry shelf. Use a variety of light and dark beans to catch your ferret's eye. Do keep an eye of your own on your fuzzy to make sure a swallowed bean doesn't cause a blockage. In my experience, however, they aren't interested in eating them and if they happen to get curious, the beans pass easily through my ferrets' digestive tracts. To prevent a mess, use a plastic storage box and cut a hole in the lid. This provides easy access for your ferrets as well as protection for your floor. Don't forget that hole, though. It lets air in along with your ferrets.

The Old Pants Leg

Every ferret loves a good tunnel. What better use for that old pair of jeans than a couple of tunnels for your furry? Snip off the legs (the pants legs), wear the cutoffs yourself, and use the discarded pieces as toys for your ferts. Put them on the floor for hide-and-seek or use a few safety pins and pieces of string to attach one to the inside of the cage.

The Grocery Sack