Hello readers, I would like to take a moment to introduce the newest member of Ferret Wise Shelter staff --- Frank Jr. Frank is a 3 yr old who has joined our mascot Master Ewok as a vasectomized hob. To Kevin-- A vasectomized hob does not lose it's scent... one common error is those who hear the term descenting associate the scent glands ( in a ferrets neck) to the anal gland ( in the lower body). Now Kevin, a hob - has a greater odor or scent when in rut... or season. This is generated through the scent glands and oils in the fur. A vasectomy will NOT lessen the scent of the hob, as the hormone levels remain the same -- they just are not able to fertilize anymore. If the odor of your male is too much for you to handle the only cure I can think of is altering. The scent of a hob will reduce greatly in off season months... but I cannot think of a way to help during rut. We are very much attached to our boys and do not mind their remarkable fragrance, but I am aware of others that have health problems with the fragrance of an unaltered male. Hope this helps... [Posted in FML issue 1563]