Dear Laura,
And other readers who have this problem.  If the ferrets ears have a foul
odor to them... PLEASE have them checked by the vet.  They may have ear
mites, they may have an ear infection or yeast infection.  The odor from
your pet ferrets ears should not be offensive.  This warrants checking.  For
general cleansing you should be able to get a drop from your vet or vet
supply-- we use Oti-Clens here.  It is one which softens the debris and then
the ferret can shake it out.  This way if you are unsure of using q-tips you
won't accidentally injure the ferrets eardrum... prompting an ear infection
and possibly loss of hearing.
 
Happy ferreting!
 
Alicia at Ferret Wise
[Posted in FML issue 1660]