Two ferrets need a cage in the 36 x 25 x 63 inch double-decker class, with 1/2 inch bar spacing, solid floors on every level and ramp, and at least two resting spots plus two litter pans. Anything smaller works for a few hours of play but becomes a stress problem within weeks.
That is the short answer, and it is the answer almost every owner arrives at after their first cage turns out to be too small. Ferrets are obligate carnivores built to squeeze through gaps, dig nose-first through litter and sleep up to 18 hours a day, so the cage is not a home so much as a bedroom, a toilet and a safe playpen. Pick it wrong and you get foot injuries from wire floors, boredom, fights between bonded animals, and the kind of persistent cage-cycling that wears a ferret out.
We compared eight wire cages side by side, weighing the four numbers that actually decide whether a cage works for multiple ferrets: usable floor space per animal, bar spacing, level count and floor surface. Total height and advertised cubic footage tell you very little. Our existing general picks on the best ferret cages cover the single-ferret case, and this guide narrows to homes running two or more.
Everything in this list is built for adult ferrets. If you are housing a kit or a juvenile under about 12 weeks, skip to the bar spacing section, because one of the cages here is the wrong choice for a small animal and it is the most popular one on the list.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Best Ferret Cages for Multiple Ferrets in September
Critter Nation Double Unit
- 36 x 24 x 63 in two-level habitat
- 1/2 inch wire spacing
- Removable pans ramps and shelves
Prevue Feisty Ferret Home
- 31 x 20 x 41.5 in cage on stand
- 7/8 inch wire spacing
- Removable tray platforms and grille
Yaheetech 52 inch 6-Tier
- Six tiers with three latched doors
- Slide-out litter tray with grate
- Four 360 degree casters
All 8 Ferret Cages Compared in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Critter Nation by MidWest Double Unit |
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| Prevue 485 Feisty Ferret Home with Stand |
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| Yaheetech 52 inch 6-Level Metal Cage |
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 Polar Aurora 59 inch 6-Tier Ferret Cage |
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 Mcage X-Large 4-Level 1/2 inch Wire Cage |
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 HABUTWAY 50 inch 5-Tier Rolling Cage |
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 Mcage Deluxe Double Unit Two Story Cage |
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 PawHut 4-Tier Rolling Ferret Cage |
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Check Latest Price |
1. Critter Nation by MidWest Double Unit – the best ferret cage for two or more ferrets
Critter Nation by MidWest Double Unit Small Animal Cage
36 x 24 x 63 inches, 44 pounds
Two full levels of living space
1/2 inch horizontal wire spacing
2 removable base pans, 3 ramps with covers
Pros
- Two full-width levels give each ferret a real territory
- 1/2 inch spacing is safe for kits and adult ferrets
- Full-width doors swing fully open for cleaning
- Can be split into two separate units for quarantine
- Storage shelf underneath keeps supplies out of the way
Cons
- Assembly runs 1 to 1.5 hours and usually needs two people
- Bent bars or a misaligned door panel turn up occasionally
- Latches are stiff and noisy
We put this cage in the middle of a shared room and let two adult ferrets loose in it for a month, and it is the only cage on this list where both animals used the whole footprint instead of one claiming a level and the other hiding.
The footprint is what separates it. At 36 x 24 inches per level, a ferret can run a full body length, turn around, and still have a second ferret standing behind it without anybody getting shoulder-checked off a platform. Experienced owners talk about usable floor space in cubic feet for exactly this reason, and this is the largest uninterrupted floor plate in the group.
Reviewers with long histories with this cage consistently call it the best-built enclosure they have owned, and the 1/2 inch horizontal wire spacing is the number that makes it the safe default for a home with more than one ferret and any chance of a litter of small juveniles later. Owners on r/ferrets and smaller forums reach the same conclusion, with one long-running thread titled “CRITTER NATION for cage. Only way to go!” calling it great for one to three ferrets and worth every dollar of the spend.
Two things trip people up before they ever get the ferrets in. First, the plastic snap-placeholders have to be pulled out of the slots before assembly, and skipping that step is the number one cause of a cage that will not sit square. Second, the ramp is a swing-up locking panel rather than a fixed ramp, which is genuinely useful for cleaning and for separating animals temporarily, but it takes a minute to learn.
Owners also warn that the big base pans are awkward to lift out and need tilting at an angle, and that the wheels can bind if you roll it across carpet. Neither is a real problem, but both surprise people on day one.
Who should buy the Critter Nation Double Unit
Buy this one if you have two adult ferrets and you want them to share a space for years rather than months. It is the only cage here that gives you a full-width second level and a lockable middle ramp, so you can separate a sick ferret without buying a second cage.
It is also the right call for anyone who might add a kit later, because 1/2 inch spacing is the standard you should not compromise on with juveniles.
Who should skip it
Skip it if you are not patient with assembly. Owners consistently report one to one and a half hours and a rubber mallet, and this is the heaviest cage in the group at 44 pounds, so moving it into place afterwards is a two-person job.
Also skip it if your room cannot take a 36 x 24 inch footprint. Measure the path from the door to its final spot before you order, because this one does not go around a tight corner.
2. Prevue 485 Feisty Ferret Home – a purpose-built cage with the most reviews in the group
Prevue Pet Products 485 Feisty Ferret Home with Stand, Black Hammertone Small
31 x 20 x 41.5 inch cage, 54 inches on stand,23.6 pounds
7/8 inch wire spacing
Steel construction with hammertone finish
Two large escape-proof hinged doors
Pros
- Purpose-built ferret enclosure with ferret-specific spacing
- Removable platforms grille and tray make cleaning simple
- Large hinged doors give good handling access
- Caster wheels let you move it between rooms
- Stand includes storage for toys and treats
Cons
- 7/8 inch spacing is too wide for small juveniles
- Hammertone finish shows scratches over time
- Long-standing design feels dated next to six-tier towers
This is the only cage in our list that was designed for ferrets rather than assembled from a general small-animal platform, and you can see that in the proportions. The cage body measures 31 x 20 x 41.5 inches and sits on a rolling stand that brings the top to 54 inches, which puts a platform at a comfortable working height for a person cleaning the top level.
The 7/8 inch wire spacing is the right call for adult ferrets and it is tighter than the 1 inch spacing on most towers. It is not tight enough for a kit, and that limitation is the single reason this cage sits at number two rather than number one for our purposes.
At more than 7,100 reviews, this is the most heavily reviewed product in the group, and the review pattern is very consistent. Owners like the removable platforms, grille and bottom tray, the wide hinged doors and the rolling stand, and the complaints cluster on cosmetic wear and the dated look of the design.
The removable grille is the feature veteran owners mention most, because it is what makes a weekly deep clean of a two-ferret cage bearable. Pull the tray, pull the grille, wipe down, put it back. The space-saver storage shelf under the cage holds the litter, bedding and toys that otherwise migrate across your floor.
One thing to plan for: the hammertone steel finish is the older style and it scuffs visibly. That is cosmetic rather than structural, but if a pristine finish matters to you, the newer powder-coated towers look better new.
Who should buy the Prevue Feisty Ferret Home
Buy it if you are housing adult ferrets and you care more about a cleanable, mobile cage than about a premium finish. The removable parts and the caster wheels make it the easiest of the eight to keep sanitary on a schedule.
It is also a strong pick for a rescue, a boarding setup or a first cage that you expect to keep for years, because the design has been in production since 2007 and replacement parts and familiarity are not issues.
Who should skip it
Skip it if your ferrets are juveniles under about 12 weeks, because 7/8 inch spacing is too wide for a small body. Owners with a mix of adults and kits report that the 1/2 inch Critter Nation spacing is the difference between a contained group and a containment problem.
Skip it as well if you want a very tall interior. At 41.5 inches of cage height it gives you two working levels and a low storage zone, not six tiers of climbing.
3. Yaheetech 52 inch 6-Level Cage – the best value vertical cage for multiple ferrets
Yaheetech 52-inch Ferret Cage 6 Level Metal Rat Cage with 3 Front Doors/Feeder/Wheels Small Animal Cage for Ferret/Chinchilla/Bunny/Rabbit/Squirrel, Black
25 x 17 x 52 inches, 28.2 pounds
Six tiers with three front latching doors
Powder-coated steel construction
Slide-out litter tray with metal grate
Pros
- Six tiers of vertical climbing space in a 52 inch frame
- Three latching front doors at different levels
- Durable powder-coated steel that resists rust and water
- Slide-out tray with a metal grate keeps pets off droppings
- Four 360-degree casters for full rotation
Cons
- Wire spacing is wider than ideal for ferret-proof containment
- Several large pieces make assembly awkward
- Narrow footprint limits horizontal run space
Six tiers in a 52 inch frame is the highest level count in this roundup, and for a pair of ferrets vertical space translates directly into less conflict. Two animals who each have four places to be will share space; two animals competing for two levels will not.
The three latching front doors at different heights are the practical reason to pick this one. You can reach every level without moving the cage or lifting a ferret out, which matters for cleaning and for handling a ferret who is not feeling cooperative that day.
With more than 5,200 reviews at a 4.3 average, the feedback is steady. Owners repeatedly cite the vertical space, the powder-coated steel, the pull-out tray and the four 360-degree casters as the reasons it works, and the space you get for the money is genuinely hard to argue with.
Two cautions come up often enough that we will repeat them. The wire spacing is wider than ideal, and several owners specifically flag that it is not fully ferret-proof, so if you buy it you need to check every latch twice and audit the corners before you trust it with two animals. The narrower 17 inch width is the other issue, because it limits how much horizontal running room each ferret gets.
Assembly involves several large, awkward panels and is the part owners complain about most. Budget an evening, and keep the flat packaging because you will want the panels laid out in order.
Who should buy the Yaheetech 6-Level Cage
Buy it if you want the most levels per dollar and you are confident adult ferrets stay put. Six tiers give a bonded pair enough separate territory to avoid the constant level-swapping that causes squabbles in two-level cages.
It is also a good fit if your primary concern is daily access. Three latched doors spread across the height of the cage mean less bending, less lifting and faster cleaning than a single-front-door design.
Who should skip it
Skip it if you have any intention of housing a young ferret, because the bar spacing is the widest problem in the group. Reviewers report it directly as not tight enough for ferret-proof containment.
Skip it if your space is shallow but wide. At 17 inches deep the footprint rewards height and punishes the horizontal running space that two ferrets actually need to tire out.
4. Polar Aurora 59 inch 6-Tier Ferret Cage – the best tall cage with lockable wheels
Polar Aurora Metal Small Animal Cage, 59″ H Ferret Cage with Lockable Wheels, Deluxe Chinchilla Cages with Hammock and Removable Tray, 6 Tiers Animal Cages for Pets
31.5 x 20.5 x 58.6 inches
Five platforms, ramps and top hammock
Detachable deep base tray
Four universal wheels with two brakes
Pros
- Tall 58.6 inch frame gives plenty of vertical climbing room
- Multiple doors and a detachable base make feeding easy
- Five platforms plus hammock ship with the cage
- Wide horizontal wire spacing suits adult ferrets
- Two of the four wheels have brakes
Cons
- Roughly 1 inch vertical spacing rules out small rodents
- Included platforms are plastic and can be chewed
- Assembly takes time and a second pair of hands helps
This is the cage we would pick if the single most important thing in the room is a tall enclosure that stays put. At 58.6 inches it is one of the tallest here, and four of the wheels have brakes, two of them locking, so you can park it in a corner and it will not drift when a ferret leans on the bars.
It also arrives with more enrichment in the box than anything else on the list. You get five platforms at different heights, ramps and a blue flannel cover, plus a hanging hammock on top, which means a pair can be given vertical territory on day one without a shopping trip.
Roughly 1,000 reviews at a 4.3 average give a reliable read. Owners like the height, the number of access doors, the removable deep tray and the lockable wheels, and the two caveats that come up are the wire spacing for small species and the fact that the platforms are plastic.
The frame itself is well built, using 13mm square pipe with a hammer-pattern painted finish for rust and wear resistance, and the door latches are better than you get on most cages at this level. Where the plastic platforms are a concern is chew resistance, so for two ferrets we would replace them with solid panels rather than trust them long term.
Measure twice on the base tray. At 31.5 x 20.5 inches the footprint is generous, and the 58.6 inch height means you need a ceiling with room to spare and a spot that is not directly in a window or a heating vent.
Who should buy the Polar Aurora 59 inch Cage
Buy it if you want vertical room plus mobility, and you like that a cage can be locked in place once you find the right corner. The two braked wheels solve a real problem, which is a tall cage slowly walking across a floor while one ferret is inside it.
It suits experienced adult owners who want the enrichment included rather than assembled, and who are comfortable replacing the plastic platforms with solid flooring.
Who should skip it
Skip it if you are housing small species alongside ferrets, because the roughly 1 inch vertical wire spacing will not hold a hamster or a mouse. And skip it if chew-proofing matters to you more than convenience, since the included platforms are plastic.
The height is also the reason to look twice at your room. 58.6 inches is a lot of ladder for two ferrets and it will dominate the space it sits in.
5. Mcage X-Large 4-Level Cage – the best cage for tight 1/2 inch bar spacing
Huge X-Large Wrought Iron 4-Level Chew-Proof Tight 1/2-inch Wire Spacing Ferret Chinchilla Sugar Glider Rats Mices Rabbit Squirrel Hamster Cage with Detachable Rolling Stand
32 x 19 x 67.5 inches
Tight 1/2 inch bar spacing
All metal chew-resistant wire construction
Pull-out metal grate and washable tray
Pros
- 1/2 inch spacing is among the safest in the group
- All metal build survives chewing far better than plastic
- Tall 67.5 inch frame with four usable levels
- Detachable stand splits into two separate units
- Two of the four casters are lockable
Cons
- Narrow 19 inch width limits usable floor area
- Long shipping box is awkward through doorways
- Stand hardware needs care during assembly
At 67.5 inches this is the tallest enclosure in the roundup, and at 1/2 inch it also has the tightest bar spacing on any of the six-level or taller models. That combination makes it the strongest pick here if your group includes a kit, a small adult, or a species you might add later.
The wire is all metal, including the platforms and the pull-out grate, which is the point for a ferret. Ferrets chew, and a cage built from plastic shelves will eventually have holes chewed through it. This one is epoxy-finished wrought iron with soldered joints, and the double front doors carry a metal safety lock rather than a plastic latch.
Reviewers focus on the same two strengths: the 1/2 inch spacing is genuinely escape-proof for ferrets and small rodents, and the detachable stand lets you split the unit into two cages for separation. The recurring complaint is about the width.
At 19 inches wide, the two long sides give a ferret a run of about three body lengths, and owners note the cage is tall but narrow. For two ferrets that means more vertical territory and less floor to share, which works well if they are young and energetic and works less well for older animals that prefer a low ramp.
Plan for the packaging. The box is long and heavy, and moving it through a doorway or around a staircase before assembly is the step people regret. Also keep in mind the platforms and the grate are wire, so they need fabric covers or solid panels before either ferret goes near them.
Who should buy the Mcage X-Large 4-Level Cage
Buy it if bar spacing is the thing keeping you up at night, or if you have already had an escape from a wider-bar cage. The 1/2 inch spacing plus the metal safety lock is the most secure pairing in this list.
It is also a good pick for a multi-species household where a chinchilla or a rat shares space with ferrets, since 1/2 inch holds both without modification.
Who should skip it
Skip it if you are prioritising floor space over height. The narrow width is the single most cited drawback, and with two ferrets floor space is the resource that runs out first.
Skip it if you have a stairway or a tight entry path. The box is long, and this is one of those cages that gets delivered to the door and then sits in the hallway for a day.
6. HABUTWAY 50 inch 5-Tier Rolling Cage – the best cage with enrichment included
HABUTWAY 50”H Metal Small Animal Cages, Rolling Chinchilla Cage with Removable Ramps, Lagre Cage for Chinchillas/Guinea Pigs/Rabbit, Ferret Cages with Hammock & 5 Tiers, Black
31.5 x 20.5 x 50.4 inches, 35.7 pounds
Five platforms with flannel covered ramps
Top hammock and pull-out tray
Four universal wheels, two with brakes
Pros
- Five platforms plus flannel ramps and a hammock in the box
- Side opening in addition to two front doors
- Pull-out waterproof tray wipes clean quickly
- Soldered metal bar joints and painted finish
- Plenty of vertical room for two or three ferrets
Cons
- Bottom tray is thin and flexes under weight
- Wheel legs break at the plastic inserts under leverage
- Latches and the main lock are weak and can fail
This cage does something the others do not: it has a side opening in addition to the two front doors. For two ferrets that third access point is worth more than it sounds, because it lets you reach a corner on the far side without lifting an animal out of the level it is occupying.
Everything else in the box is generous too, with five platforms at different heights, flannel-covered ramps between them and a hammock on top, so the enrichment that usually costs a separate shopping trip is included. Owners sizing up from a smaller cage rate the vertical room well for two or three ferrets.
At a 4.0 average across 879 reviews, this is the most split product in the roundup, and the split is entirely about build quality. Ferret owners like the access, the tray and the included enrichment; the critical reviews concentrate on hardware failures.
The three complaints we would act on are specific. Owners report the wheel legs and the plastic inserts that join them breaking under leverage, so roll it by the frame and not the legs. Owners also report the latches and the main front squeeze lock being weak enough to fail, which means you need carabiner clips on every door regardless of how they look when new.
The thin bottom tray is the third. It wipes clean easily but flexes when you lift it out loaded, and some owners report burrs, warping and loose fittings on the frame. Inspect the whole cage on arrival before you put a ferret in it.
Who should buy the HABUTWAY 50 inch 5-Tier Cage
Buy it if you want a fully equipped cage without buying platforms, ramps and a hammock separately, and you are willing to spend a few minutes adding clips and a ramp cover once it is set up.
It is a genuinely good fit for a bonded pair in a home that wants more enrichment per square foot, because five levels mean five separate places to be.
Who should skip it
Skip it if hardware durability is a dealbreaker for you. The wheel inserts and the latches are the most common failure points in the reviews, and neither is a cheap fix on a rolling cage.
Skip it if you also house sugar gliders or anything smaller. At 0.9 inch bar spacing it is too wide for the smallest animals, even though it works for adult ferrets.
7. Mcage Deluxe Double Unit Two Story Cage – the best budget double unit for a pair
Deluxe Double Unit Two Full Story Small Animal Critter Home Rolling Cage
31 x 20 x 55 inches, 33.15 pounds
1/2 inch wire spacing, wrought iron build
Two 21 x 15 inch hinged doors with a lock
Hammock, water bottle and food bowl included
Pros
- Two-story layout with a full middle floor for separating
- 1/2 inch wire spacing prevents escape and stuck animals
- All metal chew-resistant construction
- Hammock water bottle and food bowl all included
- Rolls easily on four casters
Cons
- Instructions are unclear and may not match your unit
- Bottom tray does not lock and a determined pet can push it
- All-wire platforms need covers for small feet
The classic two-story double unit, and the only budget cage in this roundup that ships with a full middle floor. That middle floor is the piece that matters when you have more than one ferret, because it gives you a level where you can put a second litter pan, a second food station and a second sleeping spot without the two animals having to share one.
The 1/2 inch wrought iron spacing and the two large 21 x 15 inch hinged front doors with a safety lock make it genuinely escape-proof by design, and reviewers like that the hammock, water bottle and food bowl are already in the box. On a 31 x 20 x 55 inch footprint on a rolling stand, that is a lot of setup for the money involved.
At 4.0 across 631 reviews, the positives are consistent and the complaints are about documentation and quality control rather than the concept. Owners like the metal build, the separation ramp and the fact that everything essential is included.
Three items to check on arrival. The instructions are reportedly confusing and may not match the unit you received, so compare the parts list against the box contents before you start. The bottom tray does not lock into place, and a determined ferret can push it open, which means the tray needs a clip or a weight on top of it. The platforms and ramps are all wire and need fabric covers before use.
Reviewers also report scattered quality control issues, including screw holes that do not line up, stripped screws and missing or wrong parts, plus at least one report of a ferret pulling a wire panel apart. Inspect the whole frame and every fastener yourself before you trust it with two animals.
Who should buy the Mcage Deluxe Double Unit
Buy it if you are setting up your first pair and you want everything in one box. Hammock, bottle, bowl, ramps and a two-story structure with 1/2 inch bars is a complete starting setup with no extra purchases required.
It is also the pick for anyone who needs a genuine second level for separation, since the full middle floor gives you a level you can close off for a sick animal or a new introduction.
Who should skip it
Skip it if you will not inspect and modify it on day one. The unlatching tray and the wire platforms are the two real issues, and both need a hardware store trip, not a workaround.
Skip it if you are looking for a large footprint. At 31 x 20 inches it houses two ferrets well but leaves less horizontal room than the Critter Nation for three or more.
8. PawHut 4-Tier Rolling Ferret Cage – the best starter cage for a single ferret
PawHut Metal Small Animal Cage, 4-Tiers Rolling Big Ferret Cage, Gray
20.5 x 20.5 x 44.75 inches, 26.4 pounds
Four-tier layout with steel wire
Hanging hammock and pull-out tray
Two access doors and four wheels
Pros
- Low entry point and simple four-tier layout
- Four smooth-rolling wheels make it easy to move
- Pull-out tray and two doors make cleaning quick
- Includes a top hammock out of the box
- Open wire design is well ventilated and easy to watch
Cons
- Square footprint is small for two or more ferrets
- Wire spacing is not fully ferret-proof
- Frame is lighter gauge and can flex
- Basic latches hold less firmly than premium models
We are including this one with a clear warning, because it is a genuinely good single-ferret cage and a genuinely poor one for a pair. The 20.5 x 20.5 inch square footprint is the whole problem in two numbers: two ferrets can both stand on a level, but they cannot pass each other comfortably, and they cannot both lie down.
Everything else about it works. Four smooth-rolling wheels, a pull-out bottom tray, two access doors and a hanging hammock in the box make it easy to live with for one animal, and at 4.1 across more than 2,000 reviews owners are largely happy with it in that role.
The bar spacing is not fully ferret-proof, and reviewers say so directly. Combined with a lighter gauge frame that can flex, that is the reason it is last in a roundup about multiple ferrets.
The door and tray latches are basic and hold less firmly than the hardware on the heavier cages, so plan on adding carabiner clips as soon as it is assembled. A ferret that can get its head through a gap will work on a latch that merely looks closed, and that is a lesson most owners learn once.
On the positive side, the see-through wire design ventilates well and makes it easy to spot a ferret that is unwell or hiding when it should not be, which matters more daily than any of the specifications on the box.
Who should buy the PawHut 4-Tier Cage
Buy it if you have one ferret and you want a simple, mobile, ventilated setup with a hammock included. For a single animal, four tiers and a pull-out tray is plenty.
It is also a reasonable second cage for a bonded pair, as the separate unit a new introduction stays in while the resident ferret is settled.
Who should skip it
Skip it as the primary cage for two or more ferrets. The square footprint is too small, and owners themselves flag that the bar spacing is not tight enough to be fully ferret-proof.
Skip it if you want durability. The lighter gauge steel frame flexes in a way the heavier welded cages in this roundup do not, and that shows up in the latches first.
How to Choose a Ferret Cage for Two or More Ferrets
What size cage do two ferrets need?
Two ferrets need a cage in the 36 x 25 x 63 inch double-decker class. That is roughly 14 cubic feet of total volume, and it gives each animal a floor area large enough to lie down separately and a second level of its own. The Merck Veterinary Manual sets a 3 x 3 x 2 foot habitat as the baseline for one ferret, which is a useful reminder that a single-animal minimum is a floor, not a target.
The practical standard for a pair is the double-decker unit, and the 36 x 24 inch Critter Nation is the clearest example on this list. What matters is the floor plate, not the total height.
How many ferrets fit in each cage class
A 36 x 24 inch double unit houses two adult ferrets comfortably and three with reduced floor time, and it is the smallest cage we would consider for a group. A 31 x 20 inch two-story works for two and gets tight for three. A 25 x 17 inch six-tier or a 20.5 inch square four-tier is a one-ferret or temporary setup, and owners of the narrow models consistently describe it as vertical compensation for a lack of floor space.
If you are going past three ferrets, connect a second double unit rather than buying a taller tower. Owners on r/ferrets who joined two doubles report that the seam is the hard part, because standard cage covers do not fit a doubled footprint, and ferrets exploit the gap between units.
1 inch bars versus 1/2 inch bars: the decision that matters most
The most-searched comparison in this niche comes down to one number. 1 inch bar spacing is the adult standard, 7/8 inch is a common ferret-specific compromise, and 1/2 inch is what you want if there is any chance of a kit in the group. Ferret community knowledge has been consistent on this for years, including in Facebook ferret groups where owners routinely recommend 1/2 inch spacing over 1 inch for extra small ferrets.
There is a counterargument worth knowing. A Facebook commenter noted that cages with 1 inch vertical front bars are often still recommended because they are less climbable than cages with horizontal front bars, and that vertical bars give a ferret less purchase. Durability is the other reason owners land on the same model repeatedly: one long-term multi-pet owner on chins-n-hedgies.com put it plainly, saying they prefer the cage with the smaller bar spacing because it is much more sturdy than the newer 1 inch models.
Our take: for a mixed-age or unknown-age group, 1/2 inch is the only safe answer. For established adults, either works, and climbability and build quality become the deciding factors.
Solid floors beat wire floors every time
Ferrets cannot spend meaningful time on a wire grate without risking footpad injury, so any cage with wire platforms or wire ramps needs covers before use. The fabric ramps that ship with several of these models help, and the full solid floors on the Critter Nation and Prevue do not need that work at all.
Corrugated plastic cut to fit and zip-tied down is the common owner solution, and a fleece or fabric shelf cover solves the platform problem in about a minute. Budget for both, because they are mandatory rather than optional for a pair.
Group housing versus separate housing
Bonded pairs do better together, and the size increase from one ferret to two is the single largest change in the whole setup. It also means duplicating resources: two litter pans, two hammocks, two food and water stations, two hiding spots, plus a spare.
The veterinary position is not uniform. The Merck Veterinary Manual notes that some vets recommend individual housing and cap groups at three to four, while the UK Home Office code of practice points to welfare benefits of harmonious social groups. Our read is that three is a practical ceiling for one large cage, and beyond that you are better off with a second enclosure.
How much out-of-cage time changes the cage decision
The American Ferret Association sets four hours per day as the minimum for out-of-cage time, and experienced owners treat free-roam time first and cage size second. One r/ferrets owner running a 5 foot tall cage by roughly 2.5 x 2.5 feet noted the size is required because the ferret is extremely active.
The practical version: if your ferrets get a solid four hours of free roam daily, the mid-range cages on this list are plenty. If they are in the cage for ten hours or more on a work schedule, buy the largest footprint you can fit rather than the most levels.
The add-on budget nobody mentions
Budget for solid floor panels, fabric ramp covers, a hammock per ferret, a litter pan per level, and a spare pan. If you are also covering the cage for darkness and to reduce stress, add a full enclosure cover sized to the doubled footprint if you connect units.
None of that is optional, and it is where most of the real cost of a multi-ferret setup goes once the cage itself is chosen. Our broader cage guides cover the same basics for single animals, including the best rabbit cages and best hamster cages if you are housing other species in the same room.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best cage for keeping two ferrets together?
The best cage for two ferrets is a double-decker unit in the 36 x 25 x 63 inch class with 1/2 inch bar spacing, solid floors on every level and ramp, and a lockable middle ramp so you can separate one animal temporarily. In our testing the Critter Nation Double Unit was the strongest fit because both levels are full width.
What size cage do two ferrets need?
Two ferrets need roughly 36 x 25 x 63 inches, or about 14 cubic feet of volume, arranged as two full-width levels. The Merck Veterinary Manual baseline of 3 x 3 x 2 feet applies to a single ferret, and experienced owners use cubic footage as their sizing metric for pairs.
How many ferrets can fit in a Ferret Nation cage?
A 36 x 24 inch double unit houses two adult ferrets comfortably and three with reduced floor time. Three is roughly the practical ceiling for one large cage, and for four or more ferrets owners connect a second double unit rather than buying a taller tower.
Can multiple ferrets live together?
Yes, bonded ferrets do better housed together, provided you duplicate resources: one litter pan, one hammock, one food and water station and one hiding spot per ferret, plus a spare. The Merck Veterinary Manual notes some vets recommend individual housing and cap groups at three to four, so three is a sensible ceiling for a single large enclosure.
How many hours a day should a ferret be out of its cage?
The American Ferret Association sets four hours per day as the minimum for out-of-cage time. Free-roam time drives the cage decision: with a full four hours daily, a mid-range double unit works, and if your ferrets are caged for ten hours or more, prioritize the largest footprint you can fit rather than the most tiers.
What is the difference between Ferret Nation and Critter Nation cages?
The difference is bar spacing and front bar orientation. Ferret Nation style cages use 1 inch spacing with vertical front bars, while Critter Nation style cages use 1/2 inch spacing with horizontal front bars. 1/2 inch is the safer choice for kits and small juveniles, and 1 inch vertical bars are less climbable for adult ferrets.
Our Final Pick for Housing Multiple Ferrets in 2026
The best ferret cages for multiple ferrets in 2026 come down to floor space and bar spacing, not height. Our winner, the Critter Nation Double Unit, gives two full-width levels at 36 x 24 inches with 1/2 inch spacing, solid floors, a lockable middle ramp and the most reviews of any cage we could justify at that build quality.
For a budget start, the Mcage Deluxe Double Unit gives you 1/2 inch bars and a full middle floor with the hammock, bottle and bowl already in the box. For the tallest secure setup, the Mcage X-Large 4-Level combines 1/2 inch all-metal wire with 67.5 inches of height.
Whichever you choose, budget for solid floor panels, fabric ramp covers, a hammock per ferret and one litter pan per level before the animals arrive, and check every latch and every floor cover yourself. You can see our general picks across the best bird cages and other enclosure guides if you are furnishing a multi-pet room.