by Nune Travels

Created on: June 15, 2008   Last Updated: March 06, 2009

I am not going to waste time talking about descenting a ferret. Every breeder and pet store sells descented ferrets. Yes, even descented there is still a little musky odor. By itself, it isn't very strong and not likely to be noticed, but combine it with the smells from less than fresh bedding, the litter box, and dirty toys and you have a less than pleasing aroma assaulting your nostrils every time you walk in the room. What is a ferret owner to do? What you need is practical smell combating tips from someone who knows. Owning ferrets doesn't have to "stink."

Pick up that cleanser and a rag, Cinderella! It's time to do some cleaning! As irritating as it is to add another load of laundry to the list, keep your fuzzies bedding washed often. For multiple "fert" owners, that could mean every couple of days. Take down the hammocks, saucers, and remove the sleep sacks. Throw them all in the wash and hang up the alternate set. Don't have extras? Get them. They are indispensable and your babies will thank you for it. I liked to use Aspen bedding for the lowest level. It gives "digger" fuzzies something fun to do and everyone a nice place to play, wrestle, and hide. Ferrety oils are pretty strong so replace that often enough as well. Consistent washing of all things sleep related makes a really noticeable impact of nasty ferrety smells.

Keep that litter box scooped! Some ferret "experts" recommend leaving some ferret pooh in the box to "remind" your little guy or gal where to do their business. I find it unnecessary and a little gross. Ferrets remember. They just can't always get there in time. Make sure there are plenty of boxes around. I used to put the boxes out just before I let the little darlings out then when play time was over they would be scooped, possibly scrubbed clean, and put away again ready for next time. You may want to sprinkle a little bit of litter deodorizer in there as well. I strongly encourage the use of those puppy training pads. Here's an ugly little fact; Gremlins like to wipe their behinds off. Let them do that on the disposable pad, not the nice carpeting.

Ferrets and cat litter = a fun place to dig. Get the ferret specific stuff . Not only does it get rid of icky smells, it is also a breeze to clean. Really! Don't get cheap ferret food. Cheap foods contain unnecessary ingredients and the wrong proportions but it will make them pooh a whole lot more. Ferrets are not cats and should not be fed like they are! The wrong food can upset a delicate fuzzy tummy as well as stink to high Heaven. The right food will not only help your fuzzy look better, with a shiny soft coat, but it can help with overly strong smelling pooh. If corn is listed as the first ingredient, put it back on the shelves. Our babies need meat!

Do NOT bathe your ferret like you would a dog. Ferrets need their natural oils to keep their skin from getting dry. "Ferts" are already naturally itchy so don't make it worse! If you absolutely have to bathe them don't do it more than once every month and a half or so. I swear by ferret deodorizers. Basically the ferret equivalent of a leave in conditioner, they work amazingly well and left my carpet sharks smelling like cucumbers. Strange, but pleasant.

Help give ferrets a good name! Keep up with cleaning the cage and bedding, feed the little demons the appropriate food, and you too can have happier, healthier, sweet smelling ferrets!

For my favorite place to get the best prices on everything ferret go to The Ferret Store online. I recommend the clear fuzzy tubes and their amazing cage design.

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