Artificial turf would be OK to use in the ferret cage as long as it is washed with soapy water on regular basis and ferrets nails are trimmed. If ferrets nails start to catch on the turf, it should be removed right away.
Yes. Or board them at the vet or get them a sitter.You can use a pet carrier for temporary housing, I have two pet carriers (small and large) as I do not own a cage nor do I cage my ferret.
Only if the rat is smaller than the ferret or close to the same size.
Large, multi-tiered cage - ferret habitat should include a hammock or sleep sack, litter box, toys, high quality ferret food, water bottle or heavy crock for water
Wooden cages are fine and are used to build ferret cubs or hutches for ferrets housed outdoors in the UK. It's not necessary to paint the wood, instead use timber treatment sold for use on garden fences and outbuildings, and it has to be 100 % non toxic, with the manufacture's instructions followed implicitly. Never use creosote, it is poisonous. Ferrets need hard flooring, not mesh. Refer to the related question below "How to make a ferret cage"
I would advise against it. If the peat moss (or other plant materials) are eaten it can easily cause an intestinal blockage. Instead I would get a ferret harness and leash and take it outside instead, I think this would be more fun for the ferret.
They use washable spray paint on artificial turf or they use colored turf.
I would say yes. He needs to be adjusted to it. However, I wouldn't just leave him in there. He needs to adjust to you as well. Swap off Handleing him and giving him time to get use to his cage. Have fun.
I've have put a bird in a ferret cage, but the bars were too far apart and the bird could get out. You would have to make sure the bars are close together and the bird has a perch (I used a small tree branch)
The best way is to use a wire brush and then paint the cleaned area with a rust preventive paint. Please do not let your ferret back into the cage until the paint is completely dry. Think of your ferret as if it were a small child and take precautions just as you would for a very bright two year old. Ferrets are very curious and might try to "taste" the paint as well as they might eat the rust flakes, so be careful.
If First Step is a type of clay cat litter, then no. Ferrets like to snorkel and dig in their litter and clumping/clay cat litters may stick to a ferret's nose or bottom, causing issues. The best type of litter to use is a pelleted litter like Fresh News, Yesterdays News, Marshall ferret litter, or woodstove pellets
Yes, ferret cologne would be safe to use on your dog
It is recommended to use an unscented, hypoallergenic detergent when washing a ferret's bedding