>From: Emily Topp <[log in to unmask]> > >OK, who here has experience with ferrets who "poof"? We are considering >adopting ferrets here in Germany and are used to those who have had their >scent glands removed (as all my ferrets in the U.S. had). I just found >out that this procedure is banned in Germany; they consider it cruel. >Positives and negatives, please? Any input would be appreciated. It is >also considered unethical to remove scent glands in the UK. I have, 43 ferrets - I mean 44 just taken in another rescue today. Very occasionally a ferret might spray but it isn't much of a problem, the smell might last 10 minutes. The only time ferrets tend to spray is if they are being bullied by another ferret or are startled by something, they could also spray if they have been hurt. Castration is all that is required to prevent the rather strong smell of a entire hob in season. The anal glands do not play a part in producing this aroma - they are used for marking territory and defence. -- Sheila Bolton Ferret Welfare Web Site: http://homepage.ntlworld.com/ferreter/bolton.htm last update 5 Dec 2002 NFWS web site http://www.nfws.net updated 1st Feb 2003 Waiting at Rainbow Bridge:- Jill, Deanna Troi, Cameron, Carnath, Button, Bill, Bobby, Jasper, Inga, Holly, Fergle, Amanda, Sparky, Daniel, Blackie, Marvin, Claude, Bumper, Kurt, Tasha Yar, Larry, Lily, Ben, Fritz, Dax, Kelley, McCoy, Brock, Snowy, Dumpling, Buddy, Stumpy, Treacle, Max, Scrap, Vanessa, Sarek, Paw Paw, Badger, T.D, Spooky, Stanley, Tara, Oliver, Alfie, Sindy, Beano, Lulu, Scully, Brecon, Lady, Tuppence, Casanova & Beverly. [Posted in FML issue 4239]