Do ferrets smell like skunks

Answer 1

Ferrets have an odor that comes from their sebaceous glands in the skin that secretes an oily/waxy matter, which is a musk odor. Ferret that have not been altered will have a more pronounced odor during mating season (especially males - hobs), altered ferrets have less of a smell. The odor will accumulate on their bedding and must be kept clean and washed. The litter box must be cleaned daily and avoid feeding any ferret food that has fish ingredients, which makes their feces smell more.

• Ferrets that have been altered do have a musky smell from the oil their skin secretes. Some people like the smell and some people don't. Bathing ferrets frequently actually makes them smell more because their oil glands start to overproduce from their dry skin

• Ferrets do smell especially hobs but the smell changes and gets a lot better when they have been neutered . once they are neutered the smell is so much easier to tolerate.

Answer 2

Ferrets have a musky smell secreted by their skin oils. Ferrets that are not altered will smell more when in season (especially males). In the US most ferrets are sold have been de-scented (anal sacs removed), in England its considered mutilation and it's not done. When frighten or surprised they may emit their anal sacs that the smell dissipates in about 5 minutes. Some people don't like the way a ferret smells.

Answer 3

Ferrets do not smell like skunks and the two are not related as previously thought. Ferrets have a slight musk odor not anything even close to what a skunk smells like. Skunks have a very bad putrid odor

Answer 4

Yes, they have a strong scent which comes from a pair of glands near the base of its tail.