Expert: Greg - 12/5/2007

Question
I have indoor ferrets who only eat commercially prepared dry ferret food and use a newspaper based litter.

Will the litter compost on its own? (it's generally about 1 part solid waste to 8 parts litter, partly urine soaked, but quantities vary)
Would this compost be usable on all the garden?

Many thanks.

Answer
Hello Paula

As a rule of thumb, all animals that are "Predators" or primarily meat eaters, which include Humans, have an enzyme which helps them to digest Meat. The fact that we 'Choose" to be Vegetarians does not change this. Nor does it matter what any animal is fed, the Enzyme is still part of the make-up.

With that in mind, I believe that Ferrets are Meat Eaters aka Predators. I would NOT use the composted waste in the Vegetable Garden. It would be safe to use in any matter otherwise, in witch the product is not consumed, such as around bushes, flowers, trees, lawns, etc.

Always on the safe side with this, especially with Cats and children playing in Sand Boxes, and women who are Pregnant should NEVER change out litter.

Pass that along to anyone whom you care about.

The Best of Luck
   Greg