are ferrets really smelly?

Question

I really want to get a ferret but I saw some once at a show and they were extremely smelly. I have a chinchilla and he doesn't smell at all and don't want a smelly pet as my landlady will not be happy

Answer 1

Yes, they are very smelly. I wanted one for years,...they appeared so cool. My experience didn't last but a few months. They have a filthy MUSK to them...almost like ammonia, but worse. I've heard folks say to have there scent glands removed...that isn't effective. It only lessens the odor a little. When I first got mine, I was bathing, bathing, bathing...like every 2 or 3 days. Then I found out that the more you bath them, the more they release those scents. Trust me...YUCK. And has anyone mentioned that they can be mean...almost vicious. Check up on it. We did everything suggested to train him. That thing daydreamed about latching on to me. He had his own room and when I stepped into it, he was like little ferret version of Muhammad Ali - bouncing all over with teeth showing. Good luck to you.

Answer 2

Yes ferrets smell, but if you purchase one that has been descented, it really isn't a big problem. They will still have a unique odour, but if you keep their cage and bedding clean, and litter train them, the smell really isn't that bad. I bath my ferret about once a month. They have sensitive skin, and more frequent bathing will irritate their skin, causing them to produce more oil (and more smell). Buy a shampoo formulated for ferrets or kittens.

Ferrets are a wonderful choice for people who live in apartments. They are very quiet, affectionate, funny little creatures. Although your chinchilla might not be too happy about it.

Answer 3

Male ferrets smell strongly of their natural musk which many people find offensive. Females smell much less but are much harder to keep as they need to mate each time they ovulate or they get sick and die.
A male ferret can be castrated which will reduce the odour. Some vets will also remove the other musk glands but this is a bit much in my view.Your ferret would also kill and eat your chinchilla if he gets a chance. They are not ideal pets for everyone as they need lots of attention and stimulation.

Answer 4

ferrets will smell if you dont clean their cage and give them baths..
you have to clean the poo everyday. give them a bath about once a week or when they start to get a little smelly. also when you clean the ferrets make sure you clean their hammocks too. if you clean the ferret and not clean the hammock there will be not point in it because the hammock will make them smell again lol

i have a ferret and they are so amusing... she will run around and intertain me. i had two but a few weeks ago he got sick and lost weight rapidly then stoped eatting and passed away. its extremly upseting when that happens... or when any pet dies.

but the bright side.... make sure you have enough money for their food they eat a lot and their food is not cheap.

oh and when you buy them from the pet store they will come neutered/spayed and decented so they wont smell.

good luck

Answer 5

Ferrets are very, very smelly. You can lessen the problem by neutering or spaying them, but they're still going to smell.
Ferrets are related to skunks. Do the math.

Answer 6

I have a good friend who has ferreets, his house smells like DOO DOO. and yes he does clean their cages.

nobody wants to go over there.

Answer 7

ferrets are very stincky. they smell like poop. if you don't give them a bath everyday.

Answer 8

No their not just as long as you keep their cage clean at all times you should have no problim.

Answer 9

yes very

Answer 10

yes they are very smelly
have had afew