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Ferret-proofing a baby gate
by Dennis Jones aka Papa Weasel

The only problem with using a baby gate is that it's an easy "wall" for any ferret to climb up and over.  Here's my suggestion for making it ferret proof.  Cover the ferret side with Plexiglas.  And here's how I did it. -- Dennis Jones aka Papa Weasel
 

Materials used:

  • Plexiglas
  • Tie wraps (aka zip ties), 5 pcs.
  • Plexiglas cutter
  • Fine-grit sandpaper
  • Electric drill and bit
  • Wire cutters

Instruction:

  1. Measure desired width and height for Plexiglas.  You might want to either cover the entire gate or only the top half.  Measure the distance between the two sides of the doorway for the width.  Measure the height that you want to cover.  I suggest you put the gate in place and then get your measurements.
  2. Cut the Plexiglas to the desired dimensions with the cutting tool.
  3. Sand all edges and corners of the Plexiglas to prevent injury.
  4. Install the gate as usual and hold the Plexiglas in place.
  5. Mark the hole locations for the tie wraps.  I suggest securing the four corners and one in the bottom center (see Figure 2). You want the tie wraps to cross over one intersection of the gate's mesh (see Figure 3).  Note that the holes need to be in a vertical position so that the tie wraps don't end up being little "stepping stones" for the determined fuzzy.
  6. Drill the holes, using a size just large enough for the tie wraps to easily fit through.  Place a block of wood underneath the hole locations before drilling.  When drilling, do it slowly so that the Plexiglas does not shatter.
  7. After drilling the holes, and with the gate in place as usual, position the Plexiglas, now with the holes, where it will be mounted.  Install the tie wraps.  Be sure to have the tie wrap "latches" on the outside of the gate.  Pull the ties tight enough so that the Plexiglas is snug against the gate.  Don't tighten to where it pulls in on the Plexiglas or gate.  The ties will be flexible enough to allow for expansion and contraction of the gate for removal and installation.
  8. Trim the tie wraps with the wire cutters.

That's it!  As hard as they might try, your fuzzies won't be able to scale the Plexiglas.  Enjoy the security of knowing they won't be escaping--at least not by way of the gate.

 

Tools - parts1.jpg
Figure 1.  Tie wraps & cutting tool

Hole locations - gate2a.jpg
Figure 2. Hole locations

Hole positions - holes1a.jpg
Figure 3. Hole positions & tie wrap in place

Final product - final product.jpg
Figure 4. Final product