Seth, I would opt for the descenting. You *think* you might be able to stand the smell, you indeed will become accustomed to it. But everyone else that you come in contact with will know that something is up. Your clothes and all will smell and you will not be aware of it. I have had a few friends that had ferrets that were not descented and almost everytime someone met them a comment was passed about it after they left. I personally have my ferret descented [a male] and even now there are times that he doesn't smell the freshest. A bath once every week to week and a half usually takes care of it. The male is also neutered. Again, my personal opinion is that you should [if the opportunity arises] have them descented. It kills most of the smell and is one less area you have to worry about [ie: infections]. Thomas [It doesn't really kill all or even most of the smell. And the surgery itself is somewhat tricky, in that even the best vets can foul up and result with a ferret with continuing complications. As we found out - Toby had a duplicate set that abcessed... Many expert ferret veterinarians discourage descenting. We only did it when one of our females persistantly picked on Toby when he was a kit, complete with spraying etc. In retrospect, we shouldn't have. Didn't do either one of them any good.] [Posted in FML issue 0450]