Kaytee Run-About Ferret Exercise Ball
Ferrets love to play and roll around in confined spaces. An exercise ball is a great way to keep your ferret busy and out of trouble. Kaytee makes several size exercise balls suitable for various pets, such as mice, hamsters, rats and ferrets. The Kaytee Run-About Ferret Exercise Ball is the largest of the small pet exercise balls.
This mega acrylic ball is 13 inches in diameter. It has a “lock-on” door and numerous small openings to allow air in. Remove the door, place your ferret in (or let him wander in on his own), secure the door and watch him roll around. You can also put one of your ferret’s favorite toys in the ball for even more fun.
Makes sure the ball is unable to get near the top of stairs, where it could roll down them. Also, only keep your ferret in the ball for short periods of time. Ferrets loose interest in things quickly sometimes and you don’t want him to be stuck in there when he isn’t having fun any longer. He may not want to go in it again if he thinks he will not be able to get out for a long time.
The Kaytee Run-About Ferret Exercise Ball can also be used with tubes and tunnels. I used the exercise ball with an acrylic tube. I put a few toys in the ball and watched my ferret, Toby, run through the tube, grab a toy and run back out with it. He did this until he collected all his toys and put them behind his cage–where he decided they belonged. I also put a small towel in and watched him burrow around in it. When not in use, I used it to store ferret toys.
Different ferrets see the exercise ball in different ways. I know of two ferrets that liked to have wrestling matches in the ball. I also know of someone who put his ferret in the ball while he was cleaning his ferret’s cage to keep him out of the way. It may be fine for brief cage cleanings, but not for more extensive cleanings. You don’t want him to see the ball as a punishment.
Kaytee Run-About Ferret Exercise Ball Review
Specifics
Price: Around $25
Size: 13″ diameter
Material: Transparent acrylic
Pros:
- Many ferrets like to play in the enclosed space–especially with other toys in it
- Clear acrylic makes it easy and fun to watch
- Can keep ferrets busy and out of trouble
- Can be used with other toys and tubes
- “Lock-on” door that is detachable
- Can be used to store toys when not in use
- Easy to clean
- A good value
Cons:
- Some ferrets don’t like to be closed in and try to dig their way out
- Some ferrets get bored if there isn’t anything inside the ball
Summary
The Kaytee Run-About Ferret Exercise Ball offers ferrets a unique play experience. Whether rolling around in it with toys or another ferret, ferrets can enjoy a stimulating place to play. The transparent acrylic allows ferret parents to easily watch the fun. It lends itself to other creative add on, such as tubes and tunnels and can also be used to store toys. At around $25, it’s a good value.
Think your ferret would have fun with the Kaytee Run-About Ferret Exercise Ball?
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Quite interesting. I had a look at the reviews on amazon as well and saw some customer posted photos. Seem’s like those mice are having lots of fun in there. My daughter has been nagging about a hamster for her birthday next month so this could come in very handy.
Thanks for all the information.
Helen
Hi Helen,
Hamsters, mice, gerbils and rats all love the exercise ball as well. There are smaller sizes that may more appropriate for a hamster. The large one works well and gives them more room to run around in, but a smaller size is easier for them to move around on the floor.
Hello,
My ferret just tries to dig her way out the whole time. I’m concerned she might hurt herself, but I don’t trust her to just roam free in my house without getting hurt or stuck. Any advice on how to teach her how to use it or get her to like it? I tried putting a toy in there but she’s only interested in getting out.
-Tara
Hi Tara,
Thanks for visiting Ferret Lovers! As I’m sure you are well aware, ferrets have their own unique personalities. One loves something, another wants nothing to do with it. The ferret exercise ball is meant to be fun and a place you may put your ferret for a few minutes while you are answering the door, cleaning the litterbox or other limited-time activities. If you want to keep your ferret out of trouble for a longer period of time, I suggest you take a look at Ferret Playpens–What to Look For, Marshall Playpen Review For Ferrets, and Prevue Pet Products Playpen Review–For Ferrets. You can try to get your ferret interested in it by leaving it open and placing a favorite food/treat in the ball along with a few favorite toys or something to burrow in so she has to hunt in the ball. Keep it open so your ferret knows she won’t e trapped. Over time she may begin to go in there without a treat.
I just got my first ferret and purchased a exercise ball the large 13” ball and posted a video of my ferret having fun and playing around in it but got so many negative comments on how it’s dangerous and unhealthy for their backs and will cause damage to them so I’m so confused. My ferret enjoys her time out while I’m cleaning her cadge and she is safe in this bc I do have a toddler and a couple of large breed puppies so I’m hoping to fine more info online about their safety in these
Hi Michele,
Congrats on your new little family member!
Thanks for your comment.
Anything can be dangerous to ferrets in particular situations. If your ferret enjoys playing in the ball, great, as long as you don’t keep him in there for more than a few minutes at a time. The Kaytee Run-About Ferret Exercise Ball should never be used as punishment or longer than a few minutes or used if your ferret does not enjoy it. If you have other pets, such as large dogs, I recommend you introduce them carefully. This article has some tips.