Ferrets can be easily housetrained.
However, many will need reminders throughout their lives, particularly if they are engaged heavily in play and a litter box is not handy.
Steps
Place a small box with low sides or a similar container in a corner of the ferret’s cage.
Triangular-shaped boxes are available specifically for ferrets.
It is best to use the corner that seems to be its preferred spot for urinating and defecating.
Initially while the ferret is a baby, you can work on the instinctive level that ferrets do not relieve themselves in their home territory or nest.
Fill container about half full with box filler such as hardwood, pine shavings, or a composite recycled pellet.
Place some recently deposited feces in the litter box.
When your ferret starts backing up in any corner, place it in the litter box and position it to back up in the corner with the box.
Your ferret will catch on quickly.
Most ferrets will try to get to their box.
Coach your ferret with phrases like “go potty.”
Many ferrets learn verbal commands for using the box, and will go on command.
Praise and reward your ferret whenever he uses the litter box.
Discipline and scolding for defecating or urinating in an unacceptable spot rarely work, as it is difficult to make sure the ferret is associating the action with the discipline.
A more successful approach is close supervision, coaching, and rewards for using the right place.
Gradually increase the areas accessible to the ferret and provide supervision.
At the first sign of the ferret’s backing up into a room corner, place it back in its litter box.
It is advisable to have a litter box in every room or area where the ferret spends a great deal of time.
Quick accessibility is the key.
If there is no box in sight, a ferret may back up into any corner.
