Ferrets Management. 



the moisture draining off, the draught and the bad surface 

 for the feet are most deleterious to the occupants. 



One hutch of this kind will hold three ferrets comfortably, 

 and allow of their enjoying health ; so that for twelve ferrets 

 either a series of boxes or three separate ones are wanted. 

 We, however, always keep one spare box on hand ; so that 

 on cleaning days twice or three times a week the occu- 

 pants of each box are removed, not into their neighbours', 

 but the first lot into the spare box, where they remain till 

 next cleaning day ; the second lot into the first box, and so 

 on. Each dwelling, therefore, gets a thorough airing, except 

 when breeding is going on. For the purpose of cleaning, 

 a small square of sheet iron, with a long handle attached 

 to its centre, is the most useful and most effective tool we 

 know of. In the sleeping compartments, the best litter is 

 clean oat straw, mixed, if such be available, with some fine 

 deal shavings. A change once a week is sufficient, if a tin 

 of Keating' s Insect Powder be kept at hand wherewith to 

 sprinkle over the floor, as this keeps the litter sweet, and is 

 very effectual in destroying any insects which may make their 

 appearance on the ferrets themselves and on the sides of the 

 hutch. The feeding compartment is sprinkled over with a 

 little sawdust, or the like ; there is, however, no necessity 

 for any litter in this division. When fixing up the hutch we 

 hang it against the wall at about 5ft. from the ground. The 

 best way is by a thick cord from each end to large gin. 

 nails in the wall, as the box can then be disposed so that the 

 bottom can be made to slope backwards, except when being 

 cleaned out. 



Where a large number of ferrets are kept, the employment 



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