is it true ferrets have an organ that cause them to stink?

Question

my aunt told me that ferrets have an organ that you could take out cause that gland makes them stink!!?! helpppp

Answer 1

Ferrets are born with 2 anal glands which are located on either side (one left, one right) of the anus. These glands are used for defense, the contents (a strong smelling musk) being released when the ferret feels threatened. Ferrets bred at the major farms here in the US (most all that are purchased from pet stores) have had these glands removed (through a surgical procedure known as descenting). This has little to do with the way a ferret smells though. Ferrets also have musk glands around their face and throughout the rest of their bodies, which is where the natural ferret odor actually comes from.

Answer 2

They have anal sac glands that excrete a very smell liquid when they are scared or excited. But most domestic ferrets are descented when they are spayed or neutered. I never descented my ferrets when I bred my litters (just 2 litters), and didn't have much of a problem. Ferrets have skin glands that also produce a musky ferret smell, and that is just part of having a ferret. Keeping the ferret cage really clean (especially washing the bedding frequently) will keep the smell down a lot.

Answer 3

Yes, the anal gland thing is true, but they also have musk glands on the rest of their bodies, especially around the head and neck area that give them a distinct odor and you cannot remove those. A ferret will always smell like a ferret.
It is illegal in the UK to descent ferrets.

Answer 4

Yes; well, it's not an organ but a gland. Most ferrets, if not all, that are purchased in pet stores already have this gland removed. However, ferrets also poop a lot and if you don't clean their litter at least daily, you'll get a very smelly situation very fast.

Answer 5

Ferrets have a scent gland that is removed during “descenting.” They still retain an… um… distinct scent due to oils in the skin. There is a product on the market that can significantly reduce waste and body odors in ferrets. It’s called bi-odor.

Answer 6

yes but sadly they still smell. its never gone 100%. Ferrets arent for everyone. I keep my ferrets cage clean, wash the bedding, give them baths but they still smell. It doesnt bother me. but it bothers some people.

Answer 7

that is the most rediculous thing i've ever heard! as far as i no i've owned 4 ferrets & that is not true (i hope) but if u r willing 2 listen 2 me then "NO"!!!