How to stop male ferret from smelling so bad?

Question

I have a male ferret that stinks. Now I know that male ferrets smell worse than females etc. etc. but is there a way to make him smell less? 
He has his days where he doesn't smell, but most days it's pretty bad.
I clean his cage regularly, and wash him at least once a month unless he gets into something yucky and needs another bath. I've tried a couple of small animal shampoos, and have recently bought a ferret shampoo which I've yet to try, but are there any products that work WELL? 
If anyone mentions any, it'd be nice to get some that are available in Australia.
I really need a cure for his smell! Handling him makes my skin smell awful even after countless washes, and it's hard to let him play anywhere because he makes my house stink.

UnshadedColors · Accepted Answer

Switch his food.

That's why a lot of ferrets smell. They are obligate carnivores, meaning they do best on a diet of only meat actually. Most ferret foods contain a lot of vegetable fillers.

Switch to Wysong: http://www.wysong.net/products/archetypal-1-natural-healthy-ferret-food.php
or if you can't afford that, siwtch to Evo: http://www.ferret.com/item/evo-dry-ferret-food/650912/

I blend Evo with some raw chicken, and people compliment on how my ferret's smell isn't overpowering.

carlstrom · Answer

All ferrets have some point of scent. You did not let us know in the experience that your ferrets are descented or not. in case to procure them from a brilliant puppy shop including PetCo, then they are greater effective than probable from Marshall Farms, that's a brilliant ferret supplier up north. this means that they could have come to you already neutered/spayed and descented. that's the place maximum individuals of ferrets come from. You maximum quite CAN and could bathe your ferrets. you should use a ferret shampoo or a kitten shampoo. oftentimes, what's okay for kittens is okay for ferrets. you are able to bathe them whilst they get 'pungent' that's oftentimes as quickly as a week or so, or another week. The scent is often coming from the bedding. Do you have them knowledgeable to a muddle container? you are able to scoop the container each and daily and wash it quite properly a minimum of as quickly as a week. you are able to desire to bathe all their bedding/hammocks/etc. as quickly as a week. quite a few the scent relies upon on their situations. We in no way used any form of pine, wood chips, etc. interior the cages, and this additionally will help them to become muddle knowledgeable. you should use the day till now right this moment's information for the muddle and positioned it in a small cat container or a corner pan. If there is not the rest interior the backside of the cage, they're going to oftentimes 'bypass' in there. They capture on incredibly rapid. additionally, you are able to desire to bathe out the cage with warm water and cleansing soap a week or 2. i understand this appears like quite a few artwork, yet ferrets ARE quite a few artwork. i desire this helps you. amanda

Anonymous · Answer

Try bathing him with special ferret shampoos, but like the other person said not too much. Also you can remove the scent glands in ferrets ask your vet. This will not however stop all the stink but it will reduce a lot of it:) do you will still have to bathe him

Anonymous · Answer

Ferrets produce an oily secretion to help condition their skin and coat. Without routine baths, this oil can contribute a strong "ferret" smell. Regular baths help minimize this odor. However, it is important not to overdo it. Excessive baths can remove too much of the oil and cause dry, itchy skin. Bathe your ferret with a mild shampoo specifically designed for ferrets, such as Marshall's Ferret Shampoo and never use dishwashing detergents. While bathing frequency may vary from ferret to ferret, bathing your ferret more than once a month can strip vital oils. To keep your ferret smelling fresh between bathing intervals, use a deodorizing spray such as Marshall's Ferret Spritz.

How to stop male ferret from smelling so bad?

4 Answers