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February 7th, 2010 by KittyKitty

All ferrets just love to sleep. On average a ferret will sleep between eighteen and twenty hours a day. They like to conceal themselves, too, in soft, dark spaces. So, you need to provide your ferret with a comfortable area where they can hide and sleep. So, let’s look at soft bedding, sleep sacks and ferret hammocks. Just as we like a light blanket when our room is warm and a heavier blanket when our room is cool, so do ferrets. Because of this, it makes sense to provide both types of beds in their cage. Then they can choose the one they find the most pleasant at the time. Having a bed is vital to ensure that your ferret develops healthy sleeping patterns. If you ferret is uncomfortable it won’t sleep well and this could cause health problems.
One option for your ferret’s bed is a sleep sack, sometimes referred to as a nap sack. These can supply extra warmth when it is needed. Put a sleep sack on the bottom of the cage. Most have an opening at one end for your ferret to crawl into. Some provide openings at both ends. When your ferret chooses to use its sleep sack, it is surrounded by warmth. You can even find some sleep sacks that make crinkling sounds. This can also be used for play time.
Another choice for your ferret’s bed is a hammock. A hammock is suspended in your ferret’s cage. It provides a comfy, pocketed space that gives your pet a feeling of security while still being partially open. Ferrets can be sensitive to heat, using a hammock allows them to be comfortable while also providing an open space so they can cool down, if necessary. Hammocks are available in unlined or fleece-lined and come in all shapes and sizes. There are also large ferret hammocks available that can easily accommodate several animals and they really like snuggling together while sleeping. Hammocks come is several different configurations such as flat or boot-shaped or even with a zipper to make the size of the opening adjustable. Hammock also give your ferret more usable space.
When you purchase a hammock or sleep sack, be sure that it is machine washable so you can prevent the spread of disease and to keep it clean. Choose a tightly woven fabric so it will be safer and more durable. Any time a sleep sack or hammock starts to fray, or if the seams begin to separate, remove it from the cage immediately. A damaged hammock or sack can be dangerous to your ferret. Always be sure that any hardware used to attach the hammock to the cage isn’t unsafe for your pet.
Hammocks are a good idea for your ferret because they can provide a safe environment without putting pressure on the ferret’s body. It also helps place them in their natural sleeping position and gives them another area they can use for play.