Question
Sometimes ferrets can get a little stinky. I've also heard that using shampoos and sprays on them can make their skin dry out and make them stink more in the long run.
How can I keep them from smelling bad without using harsh shampoos and chemicals? The ferrets were obtained from a big chain pet store and have been spayed/neutered and de-scented.
Answer
The odor you smell is their skin oil and it is completely natural. You can reduce the odor by
Pay attention to your ferret's diet. Proper food can reduce odor. Ferrets are obligate carnivores so make sure you're not feeding him anything (diet or treats) that has corn, wheat, fruit, vegetable, fruit juices, or sugar as one of the first three ingredients. Fish ingredients also greatly increases the smell of the food and the ferret. Just because a bag of food has a picture of a ferret on it or was being fed to your ferret at the pet store does not mean that it offers your pet a nutritious, less smelly diet. Appropriate food will have 35 to 40 percent protein and no less than 19 percent fat. A good diet will give your ferret well formed droppings that won't smell too bad as well as soft shiny fur, bright eyes, high energy, and overall happiness. Source : How to Reduce Ferret Odor
Also, If your ferret is in a cage or litter box, you should make sure the cage is always in a ventilated area and clean it regularly. Clean their ears on a weekly basis because most of the smell is generated from their ears and not cleaning will tend to increase the odor.
Answered By - user34