There are many animals cages on the market today, but not all of them are suitable for ferrets. Ferrets can't live in a cage that has a wire grill bottom or levels due to fragile feet, need plenty of ventilation and space to stretch out in, and need a cage that's easy to clean and that lacks dangerous chewable parts. Some of the cages marketed towards ferrets are great, but some aren't worth the money.
Ferret Nation Cages
The company Ferret Nation offers three ferret cages: the Critter Nation Unit, and the Ferret Nation Habitat Models 141 and 142. The Critter Nation unit has the dimensions 36inL x 24inW x 39inH, and comes in single or double unit packages. This is Ferret Nation's least popular cage - it comes with a hammock, two platforms and ramps, and stand, but it is $50 more than the Model 141 cage, which is the exact same size.
For single ferrets or small pairs of ferrets, the Ferret Nation Model Habitat 141 is very popular. It has dimensions of 36inL x 24inH x 38in H, and comes with some cage accessories, a single platform and ramp, and a rolling stand. It is generally easy to clean, although it lacks the high walls of many ferret cage pans, so litter boxes are required to avoid a mess. It is also generally safe and large enough for a ferret.
The Model 142 cage is a larger, upgraded version of the Model 141. It's dimensions are 36in L x 25in W x 62in H, and has two full levels and two platforms with ramps. This cage can hold up to five or six ferrets comfortably, and comes with a rolling stand. Ferret Nations cages are very popular, but they can be fairly expensive. Model 142 is regularly priced at $300, and Model 141 at $200. It is possible to find them as much as $100 cheaper when on sale, or even cheaper than that when bought used.
Feisty Ferret or Prevue Hendryx Cage
Prevue Hendryx Cages offers one ferret cage, and it's almost as large as the Model 142 ferret nation for a little over half the price. Its dimensions are 31.5"W x 20.5"D x 55"H, and it has two levels and comes with three ramps, two platforms, and a rolling stand. It has two locking doors, one for each level. The plastic pan is also deeper, making messy accidents less likely.
There are two drawbacks to this cage. The first is the wire grill covering the plastic pan and serving as the floor of the second level. The bottom grill can easily be removed, but the second story floor must be covered with some material to make it safe for ferret feet. The doors are also too small to fit either of floors out of, meaning the floors can only be removed from the top, which is difficult due to the height. The cost is very good for a cage this size however, at only $170 regular retail price.
Super Pet Ferret Cages
Super Pet offers a variety of ferret cages with different configurations and interesting add-ons, but they are often criticized for not being very sturdy. They can be divided into two basic categories: cages with tunnels and normal cages. All Super Pet cages have deep plastic bottoms.
Of the normal cages, the best choice is the My First Home Multi Floor. Regularly priced at $100, this cage comes with three platforms, one ramp, a slide, and a small tunnel. However, with the dimensions at 24"L x 24"W x 37"H, this cage would get crowded with even two ferrets in it. The other choice is the My First Home Multi-Floor Xtra Large, with dimensions at 40”L x 18”W x 32”H. This cage can be found for $75, but is not a better choice because the ramps are too slippery, and the platforms are very small and would rarely be used by an adult ferret.
There are two Super Pet cages that offer tunnel systems. These are generally decent cages, but it's critical to be sure that the ferrets who will inhabit it are going to use the tunnels. Otherwise there's no need to buy these cages over the others.
The larger of the two is 47"W x 20"L x 69"H, comes with up to 10 platforms and ramps, and features a set of tunnels running up and over the cage. It generally costs around $230. Cleaning this cage can be difficult, however, as the base must be removed to be washed, and the cage is 5 and 1/2 feet tall. The smaller of the two, at 47'L x 20”W x 37”H and four platforms, is easier to clean but costs $200. Both cages come with rolling stands.
Cheapest and Best Ferret Cages
Although there are other cages on the market that might work for ferrets, these are the main brands that are easy to find and appropriate for the animals. Super Pet is generally the best choice when looking for a low price, but the Feisty Ferret cage is the best deal for the money when considering durability and size. Ferret Nation cages are the most popular, but also the most expensive. However, it may cost more in the long run to buy a flimsy cage if it has to be replaced in a year or two, or if the addition of new ferrets requires the purchase of a larger cage.
Jessica Kolifrath - Jessica is a creative free-lancer, energy worker, and writer based in Atlanta, GA. She's studied Psychology and Sociology collegiately, ...
Join the Conversation