Holiday Decorating With Ferrets

Safe Holiday Decorating with Ferrets in Mind

Reprinted from Baltimore Ferret Club newsletter, November 1998. Author Unknown.

Gifts: Forget it. Tons of reports that ferrets do not respect “Do Not Open Until Christmas” signs. Take gifts out 20 minutes before opening or stack them on a table.

Styrofoam Packaging: Many ferrets like to eat this stuff, leading to obstructions and expensive surgery.

Manger Scenes: The prefect stashing items are those sheep and lambs—gone forever!

Electric Trains: No danger, but the train might get derailed!

Tree Skirts: Should be made of heavy material—perfect for digging and sleeping under.

Stand: Timber!!! Get a good one!

Water: Yummy to drink—don’t use additives.

Tree: Sap can be removed from fur with vegetable oil. Often climbed, sometimes all the way to the top.

Ornaments: Some bad stories about wire hooks. Leave the bottom 2-3 feet of your tree bare, or resign yourself to breakage and looking under the couch for your favorites. Forget about those unbreakable styrofoam balls wrapped in satin—wonderful to destroy!

Candy Canes: Lick, then stick (to your carpet, that is.) Not dangerous, but they look funny in July when you clean under the couch.

Electrical Wiring: They will investigate the new wires, but no report of chewing.

Bulbs/Lights: Lots of reports that ferrets chew these. It’s more fun when they’re on and blinking. Leave the bottom 3 feet of the tree dark.

Tinsel/Garland: Lots of sparkly poop this time of year. Not a good idea.

Holiday Plants: Many are poisonous, plus who can resist that dirt?

Stockings: Great place to sleep after they open them. Cute photo opportunity, too.

Fireplace: Obvious. [Yes, they WILL climb right in!]

Guests: Many ferrets are killed or lost outside this time of year during parties or when holiday visitors arrive. Lock up your ferrets when you have company.

Casualty Reports: Turkey bones are a no no!