Strong odor of a male ferret is NOT due to not having been descented.  A
male ferret that has a strong odor is more likely a whole male.  Having him
de-scented is NOT necessary or even recommendable unless the scent glands
are impacted or causing some other type of medical problem.
 
The odor from the scent glands is very different from the "whole male"
smell.  Most adult ferrets with scent glands "poof" only when frightened.
The odor is immediately noticeable and dissipates quickly.  Scent gland
surgery is very delicate work & not worth the risk involved to your ferret.
 
BTW, fruit cakes usually assume they know instead of asking for opinions...
"fraid you don't qualify for that one ;)  Thanks for asking.
 
Debi Christy
Ferrets First Foster Home
[Posted in FML issue 3139]