Ken,
If the odor is coming from near the ears, your ferret may have ear mites.  A
vet can give you a quick diagnosis.  Treatment with an Invermectin solution
(perscription only and be sure to follow the directions closely) will clear
it up pronto.  Sometimes kits tend to have a stronger odor than altered
adults and may need bathing more often.  Use a few drops of Avon skin so soft
in the final rinsee water to keep the skin from getting too dry.  Straight
Arrow Mane and Tail Conditioner (for horses) rubbed into the fur will also
reduce dryness and to some extent odor.
 
On the nipping.  What you may have is confusion as to what kind of play you
want.  It's hard for a kit to know the difference sometimes.  When you pick
up, don't rough house.  Rough play is for on the floor.  There you may want
to use a towel, washrag, old shirt, etc. to let her play without fear of
hurting you.  Be consistant though.  I perfer the scruff and shout to the
nose flicking for discipline.
 
Dick B.
[Posted in FML issue 1120]