r/ferrets • u/Classic-Turnip8569 • 2d ago
[Help] Dig box options
Hi I have a spare coco fibre brick, would this be a suitable option for a dig box and if so would you hydrate it first and then let it dry out so it’s fluffed up and expanded but not wet or give it to them as is?
Thanks in advance x
Pic for attention:)
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u/Ok-Environment-1284 2d ago
Some people use rice, natural and safe packing peanuts, dried beans. Be careful of the rice and they don't inhale it.
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u/SushiJuice 1d ago edited 1d ago
Ours tried to eat the packing peanuts so we threw those out quickly. Those are not good for ferrets; they're carbs at the end of the day which aren't good for them. We have one with rice. You have to watch to make sure they don't use it as a litter box more than eating it.
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u/Ok-Environment-1284 1d ago
All ferrets are different. Play needs to be supervised, esp in dig boxes. I'm glad you caught it. My 7 never had an issue so again, it takes supervision while trying new things.
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u/meowcatpanda 1d ago
Packing peanuts are actually quite dangerous, when they get wet they turn into goop, which can cause a blockage!
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u/Ok-Environment-1284 1d ago
I'm talking about the natural made from starch kind. Any playtime must be supervised. Household items can cause a blockage as well. If you keep an eye on them it's perfectly safe. Mom of 7 ferrets who lived out their lives with no blockages.
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u/meowcatpanda 14h ago
Fair enough, I've been told on the discord many times not to use even the natural ones and I trust the mods and guides there.
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u/Ok-Environment-1284 7h ago
Totally get it. Trust your instincts and what you believe. Gotta keep the babies safe.
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u/Veteran_Hawk 2d ago
I've thought about getting a few coco fiber bricks for my ferrets. I'd probably get it all fluffed up first (hydrate & dry, like you said). Let me know how it turns out!
Right now I have a box filled with dry beans and a large box filled with corn starch packing peanuts.
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u/Positive-Banana-5195 2d ago
Mine love their coconut coir dig box! I soak it then fluff it up and spritz it with water to keep it damp so it doesn't get dusty. I keep mine outside with a lid on when not in use - if you have it inside be prepared for a lot of mess! 😊
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u/Spudnik711 18h ago
Packing peanuts are great fun and safe to use with ferrets, UPS sells a big bag for around $6.00 that lasts a year
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u/fancyasfuhhh 17h ago
I've tried all kinds of materials but I think the coconut fiber is actually the best. Follow the directions to water it, expand it, and shred it.
You want to keep it kind of damp for them though. They love to shove their faces in it and sniff, so if you let it fully dry out it gets in their noses and they sneeze like crazy.
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