Best 12 Ferret Playpens To Keep Your Pet Active

Does your ferret need more space to stay active? Its cage is too small to provide enough space for activities?

Having a ferret playpen is the best option and we reviewed multiple models that have the best specifications. You can choose different types of color, materials, size, and shape depending on your needs.

If this is your first time buying a pen, our guide will be very useful. Keep on reading and find out how to pick the best model.

The Summary

What Type Of Models Are Playpens?

The playpen is a type of enclosure whose primary purpose is to allow ferrets to exercise, play and run around while they’re out of the cage.

Can Playpen Replace Cage?

No, playpens are not made to be used instead of cages, because they’re not constructed to be as functional as the cages can be. But, some models, like customize ones, can replace the cage for a short time, especially if it has a door lock, top cover, shelves, and large run area.

Are Pens Good Choice For Ferrets?

Ferrets are very active creatures that love to run around and play, so having a playpen is a great way to keep them active, especially if the cage is not too big. Also, it allows you to easier monitor them.

Can Ferrets Climb Playpen Fence?

Ferrets will easily climb on fences, especially if the sides are not too tall. It is important to choose a suitable model that will prevent escape. The best way to prevent it is to pick a model with a top cover.

Can You Use Playpen Outside Of The House?

If it has a cover, then it is suitable using it outside. If the playpen doesn’t have a cover on the top, it is possible ferrets will escape outside, or some predator will attack ferrets which can be fatal. Also, we don’t recommend using a playpen without cover outside due to bad weather conditions such as rain or snow.

Which Playpens To Avoid?

Not all the models are the best choice, no matter if you’re using them inside or outside of the house. We listed which models to avoid and why they’re not the best choice:
With holes – If the space bar between wires is more than 1 inch, ferrets can easily escape out
With short sides – If the playpen has a short side that ferrets can easily climb on or even jump across, this is not the best choice. Sides need to be half size bigger than the ferret.
Wooden – Even if the wooden playpens are sturdy and durable, they’re not the best choice for ferrets. Not that only wooden playpens are much heavier than others, ferrets can easily damage wooden parts and make a hole from which they can escape. Also, wooden playpens require tools.
Metal – Metal playpens are durable but not the best choice for ferrets? Why? During the summer, metal will easily heat up which can burn the ferret. Also, when it’s cold, metal will easily freeze which can shock ferrets.
Without doors – Don’t buy a playpen that has only access from the bottom, otherwise, you’ll need to be careful if the ferrets will escape out if you

Benefits Of Having Ferret Playpen

You’re not sure whether you need to buy a playpen for a ferret or not? Check which are benefits of having one at home.

Easy Monitoring

You can’t easily monitor a ferret while he’s in a cage or a hutch because he’s constantly hiding somewhere? Having a playpen will solve this problem. You can place it next to you while you’re cooking, drinking coffee on the terrace, and be sure everything is fine with ferrets.

Exercise Area

The cage that your ferret is using is not big enough? Playpen, especially the big one, allows him to run around and stay active. The ferret will be less stressed out if he spends his day playing and exercising.

Traveling With Ferret

You’re looking for a travel option so a ferret can go with you on a trip? Playpens are the best choice for that. Most of them are foldable and can be easily set in a second, so your ferret can have a place to stay while you’re on a trip.

Ferrets In Safe Area While Cleaning

When you need to clean the mess from the cage, especially if it takes a long time, you can use a playpen to put ferrets inside, so they don’t make a mess around the house.

Outdoor Use

Do you want to allow the ferret to catch fresh air while you’re on a terrace? Place the playpen outside if it has a cover, and your ferrets will enjoy it in the natural environment.

Buyers Guide: Choose The Best Playpen For Ferret

By following this guide you can find out which specifications to consider while picking the best model for your ferret.

From Which Material Is It Made?

There is a variety of models on the market and you can choose a model made of plastic, polyester material, or metal wires. It is important to choose the playpen only from reliable brands such as Zamp, Pawhut, Songmics, AmazonBasics, Kaytee, etc.

How Tall Are Sides?

If the playpen doesn’t have a cover, make sure to check the size of the side panels. We recommend buying a model that has at least 15 inches of panels. Also, we don’t recommend buying a model that has more than 30 inches, otherwise, you will have trouble reaching the ferret or cleaning the mess.

Is It Breathable?

Just like on other starter models, it is important that playpen has gaps or mesh which will allow air circulation. If you’re buying a polyester model, we recommend buying a model with side and top mesh. Plastic models usually only have an open top and metal pens have great circulation because of the mesh system.

Is It Stable?

The safety of ferrets needs to be your priority so make sure to check if the playpen is stable when you set it. If the model has panels, they need to be connected with anti-slip connectors. If you’re buying a fabric model, make sure it has a bottom area and metal.

How To Access?

Why is access important? So you can take the ferret out, feed him, and clean the mess from uneaten food and feces. Check how to access the playpen, if it has a door on the side, zipped top, or open area.

How To Clean It?

Picking a model that can be easily clean is one of the specifications to consider, for sure. Choose a model that is stainproof as well as leakproof such as plastic or polyester. If the playpen has no bottom, you can place a mat cover, and some models already come with an included mat, as well.

Best 12 Ferret Playpens

AmazonBasics Foldable Playpen

You’re looking for a durable and functional playpen? This model is one of the most popular on the market. This model is made of durable iron and it’s rustproof so you can be sure it will last you for years. Wires are rounded on the bottom and top for safety.

A playpen is suitable for indoor use and has a locking door for easier access. You can set it in a second and fold it flat when you need to store it. You won’t need any tools for setup. It is lightweight for easier moving.

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Zampa Pet Folding Playpen

One of the best playpens on the market is definitely this Zampa one. It comes in a blue and beige color combination which will fit well with any environment. The playpen is made of waterproof canvas material with a mesh for great air circulation.

Zip mesh top can be open when needed as well as front doors for access. If you’re planning to use it outdoor, you will get 4 metal spikes for safety. This model pops up in a second and you can easily carry it and fold it when needed.

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Tespo Pet Playpen

This transparent playpen allows you, easily monitor, while you’re at home. It is made of sturdy plastic panels that are connected with metal connectors for stability. You will get 12 panels that can be easily customized. Connectors have anti-slip bottoms to prevent sliding on the floor.

Because of the open-top, you’ll have easy access to feed your ferret or clean the mess. You can add different ferret toys and customize the enclosure. The playpen is lightweight which allows you easily move. It is easy to assemble with the instructions in the box. Mallet is included in the package.

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Kaytee FerretTrail Playpen

Playpen in blue color will easily catch everyone’s attention. This model is made of wire panels that are sturdy and will last you for years. Wire panels easily connect one with the other. The space bar between wires is only 1 inch so your ferret can’t escape out.

There is access from the top as well as a small plastic hole from which you can feed your ferret. The wire playpen is lightweight so you can move it from side to side in a second. In the package, you will get a plastic matt for easier maintenance.

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SlowTon Small Animal Playpen

This affordable playpen is made of sturdy polyester material with a mesh in blue, black, and grey color to choose from. It has a hexagonal shape and waterproof bottom fabric that will save you time with cleaning. It has a pop-up installation with no tools needed.

Breathable mesh on the sides and top allows great air circulation for odor control. The zipper top cover prevents ferrets from escaping so you can use this model outside of the house. The lightweight playpen can be folded flat for storing. Your ferret will enjoy playing and exercising.

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Ware Manufacturing Large Playpen

This large playpen comes in white color and it is made of 8 metal panels. Panels are chew and rustproof so you can be sure about durability and safety. Open top allows you easy access, and you can also use sliding doors at the front to let the ferret out.

Because the top has no cover, we recommend using it only inside of the house. You can attach a water bottle and feeding bowl on wires to prevent mess. Don’t worry about assembling, this model has an attached system so you can set it in a minute. Playpen folds flat for storing.

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DINMO Rabbit Playpen

Provide fun to your ferret by buying this functional playpen. Transparent panels allow you easily monitor ferrets and keep them safe from escaping. This model has a unique play holes design so your ferrets can exercise during the day. It is an expandable model which allows you to customize it in different shapes.

Because of the open-top, you can easily take ferrets out when it’s time for cleaning. Flat panels can be easily clean with a cloth. Don’t worry about setup, you will get all the needed tools and parts in the box. Connectors have anti-slip bottoms for safety.

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Zhilishu Small Animal Playpen

If you’re looking for an exercise playpen that can be used inside or outside the house, this Zhillishu will catch your attention. The black enclosure is made of high-quality polyester material that has a mesh on all sides. Mesh systems allow great air circulation and odor control.

The playpen comes with a long tube that can easily connect with a zipper. A double zipper cover allows you easily access and protect your ferrets from escaping. It has a leakproof bottom so you can easily clean the mess. Because of the pop-up system, you can easily set this model in a second.

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SONGMICS Pet Playpen

This playpen is large enough to fit multiple ferrets so if you’re planning to provide enough space for your pets, this model is a perfect choice. Transparent panels allow you easily check what ferrets are doing at the moment. allow. Don’t worry about safety, panels are connected with plastic connectors.

You can customize the playpen in a shape that fits in your house, and we recommend using it in a square shape. Open top allows easy access and ferrets can’t escape out as the panels are wide enough. Setup is quick and easy with included tools and instruction.

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Pupteck Pet Playpen

We are sure you saw a prettier playpen. This colorful model will catch everyone’s attention no matter if you’ll use it inside or outside of the house. It is made of sturdy plastic panels with connectors that make the construction stable. Don’t worry about slipping, connectors have anti-slip bottoms.

Waterproof material allows you easier cleaning when needed, and you will only need to wipe out the mess and rinse it with clean water. It has a bottom panel so you don’t have to worry about the mess around. Model can be easily assembled, you will get instructions and tools in the box.

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Pawhut Pet Playpen

Your ferrets are very active so do you need a multilevel playpen? This Pawhut model is the best choice. The DIY design allows you to build it in multiple ways, depending on where you’ll place it and how you want to customize the environment for a ferret.

This playpen has a wire panel that is connected with sturdy connectors. You will get 56 panels that can be used as a side, top, and bottom panels. Also, you will get ramps for easier climbing to levels. For easier access, there are doors with a lock system to prevent escaping.

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Heyhome Small Playpen

Keep your ferrets entertained by buying his Heyhome playpen that comes in a very cool shape and color. This small green enclosure has tubes that connect both sides so ferrets can easily move from one side to another. The playpen is made of breathable mesh which will prevent bad odor and allow enough air inside.

Large size zipper doors allow you to easily enter inside and let ferret out when needed. This model has a leakproof bottom for easier daily cleaning. You can use it inside or outside of the house. The pop-up enclosure will be set up in a minute and can be folded flat for storing.

Buy On Amazon

Setting Playpen For Ferret

You’re not sure how to set the playpen or how long does it take? Most playpens, such as fabric ones don’t require setup and have a pop-up system, while does with connectors need to be assembled.

Do You Need Tools?

Most of the playpens don’t require tools for setup, only models with connectors such as metal or plastic ones. Usually, you will get the needed tools in a box with the instructions. You can easily do it with a mallet.

How To Customize Playpen?

We don’t recommend placing too much staff inside, especially if you’re using a playpen for a short time, like 1 hour a day so the ferrets can run and exercise. It is important there is a leakproof bottom to a litter tray if the ferrets use it. Also, don’t place the water or food inside, unless you’re buying a wire metal playpen on which bottle and bowl can be easily attached. Ferrets will easily spill it while moving around. There is no need to place a blanket inside, ferrets will use a playpen to run around not sleep.

Where To Place It?

If you’re using it inside the house, make sure to place the playpen somewhere you can easily observe ferrets. For example, if you’re watching tv, place it in the living room, or if your ferrets are playing while you’re cooking, place it nearby the kitchen.

For outdoor playpens, we recommend placing them under the rooftop if it’s possible, so if it starts raining your ferrets won’t get wet. It is important to not place the playpen far away from the doors, so you can easily reach it if there are predators nearby.

How To Store It?

If you’re using the playpen occasionally, pick the model that can be easily folded flat so it won’t take much space in storing room. Most of the playpens can be easily folded, especially, wire and canvas models.

DIY Playpen For Ferrets

Did you know you can make a playpen for our ferrets by yourself? If you’re not sure how to do it, and which materials and accessories you’ll need, read our guide with needed tips.

Why DIY Playpen Is a Good Choice?

There are many benefits why playpen that you’ll do on your own is a great option and the main one is definitely the budget. If you think playpens for ferrets are way too expensive and you need one, making it on your own can save a lot of money. You’ll need a few things that will cost a few dollars such as accessories.

Also, making a playpen is a great way to reuse stuff you’ll probably throw away or don’t use anymore. Why throw a plastic container when you can use it as a playpen? Making a playpen on your own is a great way to be creative, especially if you enjoy making new things.

What Can You Use For Playpen?

The playpen can be made of different materials which most the houses already have at home. You can use baskets, containers, cardboard boxes, etc. Also, you can use playpens for kids if your child is not using them anymore.

Which Additional Accessories You’ll Need?

Because the playpen is used only for exercising you won’t need many accessories for the cage. We recommend buying different types of toys such as tubes and balls so the ferret can play with them. If you’re planning to place ferrets in a playpen longer, make sure they have a litter tray, water bottle, and feeding bowl. Also, you can add a blanket, in case the ferret want to sleep, so he can snuggle in.

How Large Playpen Need To Be?

It depends on how many ferrets you have and where you’re planning to place them. We recommend picking as large a type of playpen as you can. Each ferret needs about 2 square feet of space.

What To Place On Bottom?

If the playpen doesn’t have a leakproof bottom such as plastic boxes and containers, it is important to place a leakproof mat for easy cleaning. Also, you can place bedding and litter tray if ferrets are used to it.

Safety Features To Consider

Make sure that the ferret has enough air, for example, if the container has no gaps, make sure you don’t cover the top. Don’t use boxes that are damaged, because ferrets can easily injure themselves if there are sharp edges. Also, he can easily escape from gaps. Use only square types of boxes, not rounded ones, so ferrets can easily run from one side to another.

Don’t use containers with wide holes, ferret will easily escape out. Also, make sure there is no glue, tape, or other harmful things left on the box. A ferret can easily swallow it which can cause a lot of health issues. Don’t use boxes that are painted with toxic paints, use only nontoxic boxes for the ferret’s safety.

FAQ For New Ferret Owners

If you’re a new ferret owner buying a playpen for the first time, here are some of the frequently asked questions and answers that might interest you.

What Toys Can Ferrets Play With?

It is important to choose non-toxic and ferret safe toys which are not too small and sharp. You can buy different types of hard plastic toys, balls with or without holes inside, cardboard boxes, feather and mice toys etc.

Do Ferrets Like Tubes?

Yes, they do. They love hiding in tubes which make it one of their favorite toys for playing. Ferrets tend to be obsessed with tubes and spent a lot of time running through them.

How Do You Excercise Ferret?

To keep them healthy, ferrets need exercise every day. They prefer to run around, trying to hide and explore around. Add tubes, ropes, bridges and everything they can use form climbing and running. So they can stay active it is important that the playpen is large enough, at least 24 inches.

How Many Hours Of Playtime Do Ferrets Need?

Ferrets are very energetic animals an they required at leas 2-4 hours of playtime on a daily basis. This include the time outside of the cage.

Can You Use Aquarium As Playpen?

Aquariums are not a bad choice for a playpen unless you don’t have extra money for a new playpen, but we don’t recommend using them. It can be dangerous if the glass break, a ferret can easily injure himself. Also, aquariums are hard and can’t be quickly moved and stored. If you’re having multiple ferrets, you will need a large aquarium, that will take a lot of space. Also, you can’t use it outside, aquarium can’t be covered because ferrets won’t have enough air.

Can You Connect The Playpen To The Cage?

Yes, some of the models, especially plastic and wire ones can be connected to the cage. It is important that the cage has a ramp so the ferret can easily move inside and out. Make sure that the sides are attached to the cage so the ferret can’t escape.

Do Playpens Need To Be Placed On The Bottom Floor?

Yes, it is recommended to use playpens only on the floor, not on any type of furniture such as a desk, counter, or commode. You won’t be able to monitor ferrets easily if the playpen is in a higher area. Also, it can be dangerous, playpen can easily fall down if it’s not secured.