The History of Ferrets as Pets

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1. Garfield Miles says:

   01/15/2012 at 5:46 am

   I like your article but I feel compelled to correct you on one essential point: De-scenting does NOTHING when it comes to reducing the overall odour of a ferret. In the UK where we have kept ferrets for millennia it is considered to be cruel and unnecessary surgery and – since it is completely ineffective – we refuse to do it. Their body odour originates from minute glands throughout their skin which produce the oil that turns their coats blue in direct sunlight. Their anal glands are there to produce those little eye watering episodes that happen when they are startled or simply over excited in play. Despite their proximity to the anus these expulsions are not fecal in nature but comprise of approximately 17 separate compounds – mostly sulphurous – which, having extremely weak molecular bonds, dissipate within a couple of minutes. This being the case and despite the occasional embarrassment before guests we choose to accept this phenomenum as one of their many eccentricities rather than put them through surgery that is full of risk and that can have long-term health consequences. To reduce odour the most effective solution is a 9.4 mg deslorelin implant or surgical neutering just before their first season – not when they’re still babies. I point this out because it is important – since it is clear from fb that you all love your ferrets – that you campaign to halt what are essentially barbaric and ineffective surgical practices perpetrated by your ferret factories. You are a writer and these practices are dependant on the acceptance of public opinion which you have the ability to change. Start a campaign to improve the lot – and health – of all pet ferrets in the US!