Ferret Smell

Question
Hello. I am not a ferret owner yet, but have been doing my research before pursuing getting one. The biggest concern I have with getting a ferret is the smell. I understand that all animals have a unique smell, but from what I understand ferrets can be rather unpleasant.
I have read about many cleaning tips. 1- Cage cleaning such as often washing of the hammocks, fleece etc. Also using vinegar or baby wipes on the cage itself, along with soaking toys etc. 2- Bathing the ferret only a few times a year as is will cause more odor than before the bath. Also using ferret or baby safe wipes on the fur when necessary. 3- Proper diet with 34% minimum protein and 19% minimum fat content. and 4- Changing the litter daily and scooping out the poo when the odor is present during the day.
What I want to know, is if the smell is as unbearable as some say it is. I am a college student. I will be going to school full time along with a job, but have plenty of time on nights and weekends for my future ferret. I will soon be living in a one bedroom apartment and am worried that the smell might over take the apartment or a section of the apartment. I have grown up with animals always around me and put up with the fur, smells, and dirtiness they bring along- I just love animals! I think a ferret would be a good addition to my life, but I want to have the answer to the question about the smell.
Sure if I get used to the smell, everything is fine and dandy. But what about when people come to my place. Will the smell deter them?
I like the personalities of the ferrets I have been in contact with. I think they are interesting creatures and perfect for my living currently, I just want an expert to answer my dying question!! : )

OH! And, just curious. Are ferrets allowed as carry on's on air planes such as small dogs are allowed? I will be flying from Alabama to Wisconsin a couple times a year to visit my family and need to look into this ahead of time!!

Thanks for any help, I sincerely appreciate it!!
C

Answer
Hi Carlie

Only you can decide if the smell is too much - it's not the smell really - it's deciding whether the WORK of having a ferret is too much. I'm sure you can get the smell down to something you can life with, but it can take up to an hour or so a day.  It would be best to have TWO ferrets if he is going to be alone all day - ferrets are very social and need company while you are in class and working. Two ferrets equals twice the smell equals twice the work...in order to havhe a HAPPY ferret.

As far as ferrets on airlines go, only one airline allows them - I think it's American Airlines, but call first to be sure. You will have to buy a seat, then have to keep them in a carrier UNDER the seat in front of you (raw deal). I went across country once with mine. Only two animals on each plane, first come first serve, so get there early.AND.....spell FERRET for them because they will think you are talking about a "parrot" when you call to ask :-)

Best of luck and enjoy if that's the choice you decide to make. There are many other small pets that require a LOT LESS care.  I'd think long and hard.  If you do decide to get a couple, I'd strongly recommend rescuing them instead of getting babies from a pet store (they often come with diseases galore and get expensive at the vet). Ferrets from shelters KNOW they have been rescued and are SO grateful! It's quite an experience to adopt a shelter ferret and I highly recommend it if you do get one or two...be careful, they're like potato chips, you can't get just one! Many shelters have already-bonded pairs that make perfect sets for situations like yours.  A shelter mom can guide you right to the kind of personality you're looking for. Here are some lists of shelters - hopefully some near you:

  SHELTERS/RESCUES - U.S.
* http://www.ferret.org/links/shelters.shtm
* http://www.everythingferret.com/ferret_shelters.htm
* http://groups.msn.com/Ferret/yourwebpage5.msnw
* http://www.ferretcentral.org/for-others/db-products.html
* http://www.ferretfacts.com/ferret-shelter-directory-us-ferret-shelters.html

Sincerely,

Jacquie Rodgers