I’ve Googled and I’ve contemplated and I finally came to a decision.
I ordered an outdoor setup for my two ferrets, Akai and Domino. It consists of a hutch, which has a nesting box and an open area next to the box, as well as a run underneath. I also got the extended run, so they will have more room. I will modify the setup slightly by adding a cover for the top of the run.
The setup will be on my deck in a small cubby-area. I will put flat boarding up on the deck bars, so the enclosure will be blocked from wind on three sides (two are deck, one is the house). This will also prevent people from the street seeing the setup, beyond a bit of the hutch’s top. The bottom of the run will be the exposed deck.
Now, I’ve read plenty of controversy on housing ferrets outdoors. I know that in the UK and parts of Australia, this is much more common. The US, particularly Iowa, has colder winters than both, although Australian summers can get a bit above us. I did find one person, a Canadian, that commented on a forum about keeping their ferrets outside year-round.
Gathering this information, I feel confident in ignoring the nay-sayers. I understand that in the winter, a properly insulated nest box is necessary. I understand that in the summer, plenty of water and shade is necessary to keep cool. I would also like to create a soil dig box and use straw in the nest box.
I will monitor the ferrets strictly as the spring turns to summer, and as the fall turns to winter. I want to get them outside soon (spring) so they can adjust to the rising temperature and later falling temperature naturally.
I will update with photos and information as time goes on. I am determined to debunk that it’s unsafe to house them outside.
