Those of you who own ferrets know how these animals like to slither their long bodies through objects like a snake. When you’re looking to make your own ferret tunnel system at home, you’d be surprised at what materials you have lying around the house that would make the perfect tunnel. Check out some of the best materials that you can use to create a DIY tunnel system for your pet ferrets.
The Best Materials to Use for a DIY Ferret Tunnel
1. Flexible Drain Pipe
You might not find this option in your local pet store, but leftover drain piping is the perfect option for creating your own tunnel at home. The black, flexible tubing is better for those who don’t care to see their pets running through it. It is also beneficial since ferrets tend to like dark tunnels naturally and will enjoy being able to travel without being seen.
Most of this type of piping is about 4 inches in diameter. It also expands lengthwise, with most being anywhere from 2 to 25 feet long. The material is extremely durable, and it is easy to find connectors and end caps for putting it all together.
2. Ferret Super Thru-Way
This is a type of transparent tunneling that is made specifically for ferrets. Similar to the drain pipes, it is about 4 inches in diameter and 20 feet long. It is much more flexible, though, and allows you to create lots of twists, loops, and turns for your pet. The one downside to this material is that it might not be durable for some ferrets that like the play rough or chew it.
3. FerreTrail Tubing
This is another product that many people use to create tunneling for their ferrets. The plastic tunnels often expand to eight feet long and have multiple connector rings. This is better for those trying to build a shorter path rather than a long, intricate tunnel system.
4. Cardboard Boxes
Finally, your Amazon addiction can finally come in handy and provide you with plenty of boxes to create tunnels for your pets. Cardboard boxes can be taped or glued together to create a tunnel system as big or small as your want. You can even create little rooms for them to stop and hide in as they pass through. Whatever you do, make sure that the boxes are wide enough for the animals to travel through.
5. Spare Bottles
Many ferret owners try to get creative with their tunnels. One thing that we’ve seen recently is the use of old bottles to create a fun maze. Almost all households in the country have a few spare plastic bottles that are perfect for the occasion and that are large enough for your ferrets to crawl through.
How to Make a DIY Ferret Tunnel
Once you have the materials, the hardest part of the entire process is taking the time to actually put the tunnel system together. This project can be as simple or as intricate as you’d like. Some people create tunnels that reach across multiple rooms in their house and go up and down stairs. Other people simply create a tunnel that stretches from one cage to another. The overall design is up to you.
Here are the supplies you’ll need:
- Tunneling
- Connector pieces or end caps
- Scissors
- Tape
To build your ferret tunnel, we think it is best to draw out a sketch of your design before you get started so that you have a guideline to follow. You can easily make changes during the building process if you’d like. Work from your starting point and then add the tunneling, taping the pieces together as you work to ensure that they don’t come apart. You may have to use scissors to cut the tubing at times. Slowly work your way towards your endpoint until the project is finished. Before testing it with your animals, go back over the entire system to ensure that there is no easy way for them to escape and that each connection is secure.
Final Thoughts: DIY Ferret Tunnel Systems
Ferrets have playful personalities, and it is physically and mentally enriching for them to have tunnels to run and hide in. Creating a DIY tunnel system at home doesn’t have to be expensive. It is as easy as finding some hollow materials you have lying around the house and starting to tape them together until they can safely get from point A to point B.
Featured Image Credit: Best dog photo, Shutterstock
Hallie has been a proud nature and animal enthusiast for as long as she can remember. She attributes her passion for the environment and all its creatures to her childhood when she was showing horses on weekends and spending her weeknights devoting her attention to her pets. She enjoys spending most of her time in Michigan playing with her two rescue cats, Chewbacca and Lena, and her dog, Clayton. When Hallie isn’t using her degree in English with a writing specialization to spread informative knowledge on pet care, you can find her snuggled up on the couch reading books or watching nature documentaries.
