The air in my workshop always smells faintly of linseed oil and, lately, a hint of something sweeter – ferret musk. This is not a complaint, mind you, just an occupational hazard. I’ve built more bird cages than I can count, everything from delicate finch aviaries to robust parrot palaces. The Prevue Hendryx Feisty Ferret Cage, though… well, it’s a different animal entirely.

My initial impression? Solid. The dimensions, 31x20x54 inches, are a decent footprint for a ferret, providing enough room for exploration and vertical climbing, a key ferret behavior. The 0.87-inch bar spacing is crucial. Any wider and you risk a ferret’s escape artistry; narrower and cleaning becomes a nightmare. This cage seems to strike the right balance. The metal construction feels sturdy enough to withstand even the most determined ferret excavating attempts – something I’ve seen firsthand.

I tested this cage with my own mischievous crew, naturally. They’re a bunch of little Houdinis, always looking for an angle. I was particularly interested in the feeder and water bottle placements. These often get overlooked in cage design, and that’s a problem. Ferrets are messy eaters, and a strategically placed, easily accessible setup is paramount. Prevue Hendryx gets it right.

Now, I’ve used fancier cages. Ones with multiple levels, elaborate ramps, and the kind of chrome-plated shine that costs a small fortune. But honestly, those often fail to address the core requirements. The Prevue Hendryx cage, in contrast, focuses on the essentials. It has a decent-sized base pan for easy cleaning – a necessity when dealing with obligate carnivores – and the wire mesh is coated in a non-toxic finish, a must-have for animal safety.

One small hiccup: the included ramps are a bit… slick. My ferrets, being the daredevils they are, initially slipped and slid. Easily solved though! A quick covering of vet wrap, or even a layer of textured tape, provides instant grip and improves the whole experience.

This cage won’t win any beauty contests, mind you. It’s not glamorous. But for a ferret owner looking for a practical, safe, and moderately priced housing solution, it’s a solid choice. I’d recommend it to any new ferret owner. You’ll need a comfortable bed, good toys, and a whole lot of patience. But with this cage, at least you’ll start on the right foot. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I hear a certain furry critter plotting his next escape.