Safe Holiday Decorating with Ferrets in Mind
Reprinted from Baltimore Ferret Club newsletter, November 1998

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!