If you've had a ferret (or ferrets) for any amount of time, you have probably figured out that they become bored of playing very quickly. That's not good for either you or your pet. When bored, ferrets become destructive and depressed. Spending hundreds at the pet store on various toys is too much for any budget, but with a little ingenuity and work, you'll get out cheaply.

The first thing to remember is that ferrets tend to forget very quickly. Taking something away from them for a few days and re-introducing it is the easiest way to keep them going. Simply moving things around can be enough because it opens up new areas they can explore. The question here is what to move around and how can you do it cheaply. Keep in mind that all ferrets are different and won't take to every suggestion. Just keep trying until you hit the right ones.

Water

Most ferrets are fascinated by water, and not the stuff out of their regular bottle. Even if they're not usually fond of taking a wet bath, giving them a sturdy, heavy bowl of water—the bigger the better— should provide hours of entertainment. If you're worried about your floor, slip a towel underneath and be sure there's no chance they can tip the bowl over. The bigger, the better. Most ferrets should dive right in, splash around, dip their head in, or at least try to figure it out.

There's added fun here too. Try putting in a single ice cube. As they go about their usual splashing, they'll eventually discoverit and attempt to steal it. You can also take the entire dish and put it inside a plastic grocery bag. Your ferret will not only get the fun from the water, but from crinkling the bag as well.

Bags

It seems so simple, but a paper or plastic bag is an excellent toy. Lay out several for maximum entertainment. Be sure to supervise (which they should be at all times) to prevent any disaster. Once they get inside or if they lose interest, start crinkling the bag. It should become an all-out war with your ferret.