The Best Ferret Toys (Review) in 2020

Ferrets are curious and playful creatures who need plenty of novelty in their life to remain happy and healthy. This is where ferret toys come in. Available in a variety of shapes, sizes and designs, ferret toys are perfect for keeping your pet entertained and occupied for hours, as well as physically and mentally stimulated. To help you find the right toy for your furry companion, we created this comprehensive buying guide where we cover everything you need to know about ferret toys, including the things to look for and avoid during your selection process.

Things to Consider When Buying Toys for Ferrets

• Durability

Ferrets are generally calm creatures, but when it's time for them to play, they tend to get antsy and can become quite mischievous. This is why toys are essential for your pet. However, it isn’t enough to just get them any toy; the toy in question must be a durable one that can last. This is because ferrets chew a lot, and they can easily bite, chew, and tear into their toys in no time. So, to reduce the amount of money you have to spend on ferret toys, ensure that you get a toy that’s durable and robust.

• Material

Ferrets are lovely creatures; however, they are also a big commitment for the owner. This is because they, like pretty much all pets, are susceptible to choking hazards. For this reason, it is advised that you ensure that the materials used to make your ferret’s toys are safe to use and won’t bring any harm to your pet. Materials like plastic and polyester are typically safe for ferrets, and there are many toys made out of them. Also, ferrets bite and gnaw at things a lot, so you have to ensure that their toys are clean so that they don’t inadvertently ingest something harmful.

• Size

Ferrets are small creatures, and because of this, the toys they play with have to be customized specifically for them. For instance, ferrets should stay away from dog and cat toys as those are typically larger than the ferret and can cause it harm. So, when picking out a toy for your pet, stick to something small that they can easily interact with. Furthermore, beware as ferrets can easily choke on small items and should be kept away from toys with small parts. So, make sure you check the size of the toy you intend to buy before making an order.

• Versatility

In a bid to save some money, you should get ferret toys that are capable of being used in more than one way. For instance, there are ball ferret toys that have an opening for a ferret tunnel to be attached, thereby providing your ferret with a place to play and also a tunnel to run around in.

Additionally, versatile toys are useful as ferrets get bored easily, and, therefore, need a variety of toys to keep them occupied. So, if you are buying a new toy, see that there are different ways your pet can play with it so that you get good value for money, and your pet doesn’t get bored and despondent.

Different Types of Ferret Toys

• Tunnels

These are probably the most popular amongst ferrets as they scratch a natural itch. When in the wild, ferrets usually use tunnels to get from point A to point B, and they enjoy moving in confined spaces underground. Tunnel toys are the closest they get to that feeling above ground, so it's no wonder why they love them. In a bid to involve you in the ferret’s playtime, many manufacturers have taken to making transparent tunnels. This enables you to observe them while they play and also keep an eye on them in case they are in trouble.

• Mentally Stimulating Toys 

These toys come in different forms, but they are usually made to stimulate your ferret’s brain. As mentioned earlier, ferrets need both physically and mentally stimulating toys. An example of such toys is the ferret feeders, which usually demand that your ferret overcomes an obstacle before finding its food. Some of these toys have customizable difficulty levels so that your smart ferret can be challenged even more.

• Balls

Balls are also a trendy type of ferret toy, and they usually get a kick out of playing with them. Ferrets are curious creatures and will generally sniff, gnaw and whack any object they come in contact with. Balls are ideal toys as they help your ferret get some much-needed exercise while also giving them something to bite on. Most balls are made with durable material to ensure that they don’t tear easily once your ferret sinks their sharp little teeth into it.

Types of Toys to Avoid

• Latex or squeaky toys

Ferrets have rather sharp teeth, and they can easily tear into squeaky toys while playing. The problem here is that ferrets also have no qualms ingesting anything they find vaguely interesting; therefore, a latex toy could constitute a choking hazard. This is why it is advised that you keep your ferret away from toys meant for your dog or cat. You can get your ferret its own ball or toy made with durable rubber or plastic that they can safely enjoy.

• Hazardous materials

A lot of ferret play involves them trying to chew on or bite into something. This leaves them open to a lot of dangers and is why you need to be vigilant when it comes to your ferret’s toys. Ensure that whatever your ferret is playing with is clean. Not only that, but also ensure that the toy is made with pet-safe materials that won’t cause any harm to your ferret.

• Tiny parts

Even after getting your ferret a ‘pet safe’ toy, that doesn’t end your commitment to your pet. As mentioned earlier, ferrets go through toys rather quickly. No matter how sturdy a ferret toy is, it is liable to break or succumb to your pet’s constant biting and chewing. Because of this, you need to be on the lookout for toys that are nearing their wit’s end or are at the point of breaking. This is necessary as your ferret might swallow a small part of the toy that could constitute a choking hazard for your pet.

DIY Ferret Toys

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, ferrets run through toys pretty quickly. The problem with this is that buying new toys constantly can easily become expensive. Don't worry though, as there are many ferret toys you can easily make at home. Homemade ferret toys are inexpensive and can be just as entertaining for your pet. Below are a few that you can easily cobble together when necessary.

• Dig Box

Ferrets are fond of digging, and with the help of a clear plastic box, some sand, and some buried food, you can create the perfect dig site for your ferret pet.

• Tube Maze

You can buy tube mazes, but you can also fashion one from PVC pipes lying around the house, or buy some from the hardware store. You can also make the maze longer by connecting pipes together. Of course, do make sure the pipes are clean and safe.

• Cardboard boxes

If you have a couple of boxes lying around, you can fashion an awesome playground for your ferret(s). Simply cut a hole into the side of the box and place a few things inside for your ferret to amuse themselves with.

Our Top Pick

The KONG Small Animal is our top choice as it provides your ferret with hours of fun that it will not forget in a hurry. Additionally, the toy is made of a super-durable material, meaning it can handle whatever your pet throws at it, including its sharp little teeth. It's also great for stuffing as it comes with a hole - perfect for ferret food and treats!