De-scenting ferrets?

[emroul]

Hey there, I know I have heard of a way to "de-scent" ferrets, is this relevant? Also, how is it done? Surgery? Is there certain glands that produce their smell? Sorry, just started thinking about it today, if that is true that de-scenting is possible, how is it done? Man, sorry if that didn't make any sense, I'm tired. Been a long week. :(

Anyway, I bring this question up for two reasons (one I already stated- that I have heard of people doing this, but not exactly sure if I heard correct).. And two- I am VERY interested in this cute little ferret at a pet store close by (I'm not actually going to get it, I think it's sick) :mad: Stupid pet stores.. Anyway, that's a whole other thread....But I would be interested if I ever get a proper setup for one or two (meaning once I'm out of school, so it'll be awhile).

Thanks for any comments. =)
Jennifer

[Love Bird B]

Heya Jennifer,

Some people are offended by the way ferrets smell and have the scent glands removed, like they would for a skunk. Other people, like myself, love the way ferrets smell and wouldn't change anything about them. See post "What are your favorite scents" :)

Ferrets are illegal in some areas because of one of the fears that they would escape and attack chicken farms. They're not called ferrets for nothing. Plus, everyone seems to love chicken.

I'm writing this in the middle of the night. I couldn't sleep so I may sound fuzzy too.

[emroul]

LOL, thanks B. :) Does it bother the ferrets at all? I mean, does it hurt them or anything like that to get those glands removed? Sorry if that sounds stupid, lol. But my fiance said the only way I can have a ferret roaming around the house is if it doesn't smell as bad as the ones in the pet store, lol. I know they will still have an odor, right (I mean, after they have those glands removed)? Maybe it's hopeless... :(

Jennifer

[originalfatc]

Here in New York most ferrets sold as pets are already neutered and descented, hence the high price here.

If I were to get one, I would prefer it that way myself. When they scent mark they are as bad or worse than a tom cat!

[Love Bird B]

Hmmmmm, perhaps all the ferrets I've smelled already had been descented? I'm not fond of tom cat scent marks at all! Jennifer, I'd never think of you as stupid considering that I'm not even sure what I've been smelling! :confused: I would think any operation isn't a pleasant experience.

[originalfatc]

Pet store I worked in years ago (where I began grooming career)used to sell ferrets. The babies all came in already done and one for breeding had to be ordered special.

I don't think dogs and cats would agree that any operation is pleasant, would you?

:D

Jennifer stupid? I sure don't see that as a reality!

[emroul]

LOL! Well, thanks for answering those questions for me, guys. :) I'll see what I can do about my other half. The one at the pet store is just so sweet. You open the cage and s/he falls into your lap like nobodies business, hehe..He likes her alot, but not the smell. :(

Thanks again. :-)
Jennifer

[originalfatc]

even if descented, they will have an odor is there are alot of them in cage and it isn't scrupulousy clean at all times, just like any small pet.

[Amanda]

Hi Jennifer. Ferrets are awesome ... and yes, they still have a scent to them even after they have been descented. George is neutered and descented so I'm not sure what he would've smelled like otherwise. I think most pet stores sell them already neutered and descented, but it may be different from state to state. Although George has been descented, he does still emit an odor ... but not strong enough that you'll notice from across the room. You just have to keep their cage clean AT ALL TIMES (especially the litter box) and wash their hammocks and sleeping/playing areas weekly.

There are some ferret shampoo you can buy and they help keep the smell down a bit ... but I find that in a few days, George has his "ferret smell" again. Anyway, I just make sure that we keep his litter box clean all the time and wash his things weekly.

Good luck with the little baby ferret. They are wonderful pets and I'm sure you'll have fun with him/her if you decide to get it.

[emroul]

Thanks for that info Amanda. I'll have to work on Dustin a bit, but maybe I can convince him. :D

Jennifer

[mzdolittle]

A ferret may be bathed with water and shampoo once a month. In between baths, you can use dry shampoo and colognes made just for them. It also helps if you sprinkle the dry shampoo on their hammocks. There is something called Biodor that you can put in the water bottle of ferrets and other small animals that will make their poo smell less rank. It works, because I have used it. Certain ferret foods make the poo smell worse, too. The scent gland that is removed stops the ferrets from releasing a really stinky smell when they are frightened or otherwise upset. They always have a musky smell even after they are descented. Some people find this offensive and some don't. Most ferrets in pet stores come from a ferret farm in New York called Marshall Farms. If you look in the right ear of the ferret, you will see two small blue dot tattoos. One is for altering and one is for descenting. Other ferret farms have their own mark for these procedures. It is very difficult to buy a ferret that is intact and with its scent glands. If you get a male that isn't neutered, it will smell a lot worse and will mark its territory like a cat. If you get a female that is intact, she must be bred whenever she comes in heat or she will become anemic and die. I hope you can add a ferret to your household. They are wonderful. It's like having a two year old around. Lots of fun!