Dog Crate as a Ferrethouse?

[Khelkhet]

I have one of those metal dog cages, large enough for a German Shephard to stand, turn around, etc in. I don't have the exact dimensions of it right now because it's at my ma's. we used it back in November when she had to have her dog Rajah put down due to paralysis.

What I'm wondering is, if wrapped along the four sides and top by 1cmx1cm wire, would this kind of cage be all right for a Ferret? For that matter would it just be easier to build a whole new cage rather than try to wrap the dog cage? I'd prefer to use what I have or BUILD something rather than buy something if possible. What's the minimum distance between the bars, for a ferret?

The main reason I want to use this cage is the easy-to-clean slide-out pan, and the swinging door cover. As well as the fact that I already have it and wouldn't have to spend a lot of money to buy a new cage. The more money I save, the more I have on hand for emergencies. At this point I am just checking into whether or not I have or can get the resources to house a ferret, I haven't really decided if I am gonna get one for sure or not. If I decide not to, then woe is me, I'll just have to get some more rats instead. Poor, poor me.

[taku]

I would not use a dog crate as ferrethousing. Ferrets need lots of room. They're not like rats or other rodents, they're more like cats or dogs. Many people even freerange their ferrets. My ferret cage is 6 levels tall...6 feet tall and 3 feet square, and my ferrets freerange most of the time.
   I am in bit of a disagreement with what many American websites say about ferret housing.
  One of my favorites: http://www.canit.se/~griffon/ferrets/#info
  The only instance I could see using a dog crate would be as temporary housing for a sick ferret or quarantine..perhaps even long distance car travel because there would be more room than the typical carrier.

[Khelkhet]

Ok, taking into consideration what the above person said, but also keeping in mind that it's by far cheaper for me to make a cage or use what I already have, this is a picture of my budgie cage. Would these dimensions be good, (6 feet tall, 37 inches wide, 17 inches deep) and if not, what improvements on those dimensions are suggested? What about the space between the wires (1cm), would that be too small for little ferretfeets?

[taku]

That's an excellent size. Make sure you've got plenty of levels and places to hang hammies. Tubes too. Lotsa decorating ideas in a cage that size.  Make sure the wire is sturdy, not flimsy, and there's not sharp edges or ways for a ferret to catch their toes or feet.  A ferret's mouth is pretty strong, so they may be able to bend the wires and cause  it to break, cutting their mouths. Cindy loo knows how to open her cage door and let herself out.

[autumncrocus]

If you use the budgie cage remember to line the floor with something...pieces of vinyl flooring, old carpet, etc. The wire cage floor is very bad for their little feet! Also be sure to add lots of levels to the cage, hang shelves and hammies. But also make sure you add plenty of ramps and try to place the hammies in areas that will catch the ferret if it falls from a high spot.

Kim
Rogue's Den Ferret Rescue