How do you get ferrets to stop scratching at the carpet?

Question

I have two ferrets who try to "escape" by digging at the carpet by the doorway where I put a barrier. They are ripping up the carpet fibers and are very insistent about it. Please help!

Answer 1

I have two ferrets and they have done the same thing. All I did was put a sheet or towel in front of the door and that tends to keep them from trying to dig under the door. If they know they can't get out they won't try. Thats what worked for me and I hope it will work for you. You could also buy a ferret play pen at any pet store and that will give them the area needed to play and will keep them off the carpet. Just make sure you buy the bottom cover or put a sheet underneath the playpen if you do.

Answer 2

I know how you feel.....my two rascals have wrecked my carpet upstairs. I have wood flooring downstairs so it's not a problem. I seriously doubt you will ever stop them, it's an instinct in them to dig, if they know that they can get in or out via the door then they will dig and dig to try and get out....notice that they only dig at doorways!!! The only thing you can try is plastic carpet protector, unfortunately the digging is part of the many things us fuzzbutt lovers have to put up with!!! Sorry that there's no miracle cure xx

Answer 3

Unfortunately ferrets are natural born diggers. Also...they can tell an exit to a place from miles away! :) They know there is fun stuff outside of that door. I keep my ferrets contained in my bedroom for safety reasons. (I have other pets and children) I do let them out periodically on "journeys to the bathroom". lol I think sometimes if you give them a taste for whats beyond the door it satisfies their curiosity.

Speaking of curiosity...maybe if you offered a bigger variety of toys, things to explore, and treats that would keep them busy as well. I find that a few small cardboard boxes filled with fun stuff like old clothes, ping pong balls, small child's toys (ones that do not have very small parts or rubbery materials), or even rice are wonderful ferret toys. Cut ferret size holes in all four sides of the box...fill it with goodies, and watch them go to town.

I think if you make these few small changes it may at least curb the scratching if not curing it. Good luck and take care of those fuzz-butts!

Answer 4

I used to have a ferret..never had the problem you are having but he liked to find any clothes/towels etc. laying on the floor and drag them to the closet where he slept...to build a snug nest I guess..so cute....Is there a "smell" of some sort at your doorway? Call your vet and see if he/she knows of something that you can spray (without harming the ferrets) around that area to deter them. Good Luck

Answer 5

If you check out Home Depot or Lowes, they probably carry those metal or rubber runner things that go under your door. For some reason I can't think of the name of it. You could try a baby gate to block off the doorway, but some ferrets are geniuses at climbing them.

Answer 6

man i wish i knew the answer to this one you shsould see my carpets. probably look like yours LOL. anyways there is a spray called ferretoff and the vet tells me that it works. try to take them outside for a walk. maybe they just want to see what is on the other side of the door. i cant keep my bedroom door closed cause mine like to sleep in my room and they totally destroyed the carpet there. they are bossy little ferts. remember that ferrets are VERY CURIOUS ANIMALS more than cats

Answer 7

It's their nature to dig, they dig nest and chase prey into burrows in nature. What are they doing running around the house ? Maybe you should build them a special cage where they can tunnel and dig til their hearts content like they would in the wild.

Answer 8

:) I positioned this question on my watch checklist, because of the fact I surely have the strategies-blowing comparable undertaking with my 2, yet in view that no person awnserd, sick attempt to help. I surely have a field of rice they are in a position to dig in (sand is extra useful in case you have room). it reduces the undertaking, yet would not resolve it. I in basic terms say no! everytime they start up off digging on the carpet, in the event that they proceed i %. them up and pass them far off from the place their digging say no! one extra time. in the event that they bypass returned, then i cage them for a awhile. They now comprehend there not meant to, and as quickly as I say NO they do stop, and that they comprehend there not suposed to, yet as quickly as im doing somthing else and not gazing they often pass slowly returned and start up off returned. I wish i had a answer for you, mine has a tendency to artwork in some circumstances, and that they do for sure comprehend there not meant to, yet there in basic terms so stuborn. I do reccomend filling a cardbord field or a super field with uncooked rice or sand, hide their toys in it and that they have got an inclination to dig in there an stunning style of the time. wish i helped slightly.