Feeding?

Question
I bought my ferrets at Petco, they are 10 weeks old now and their waste smells oderous,they are from the Marshall Farm and the girl at the pet store siad they can only eat marshall brand foods. I myself think its too expensive. I bought a diffrent brand of ferret food, but they didn't eat it when i first got them. Whats the best food i can give them that will help with their smell so it doesnt smell as bad in the room


Answer
Hello,
I can say I also had that same problem with Marshall's food. Alot of ferret owners steer clear of "commercial ferret foods" for that very reason. They are way over priced, and contain fish meal.I feed my ferrets a POULTRY based holistic cat food, and then gave them a couple of drops of Ferretone every week. Commercial Ferret foods have a lot of  "Fish Oil" in them and cause the odor in their coat to be stronger, and their stools to be much heavier and pungent. You will notice a big difference in their coat, it will become softer, not so oily, and their odor will be SIGNIFICANTLY  less. I have used this feeding formula (I learned from a vet who had ferrets) for 12 years, and have had ferrets live to 9+ years old on it, with no health problems. I personally recommend a holistic food, like Nutro Natural or Blue Holistic for cats. I have had some really good success with both of these, but I don't know if they are available everywhere. If you can find a very good cat food with natural meat products, with POULTRY as the first ingredient.Also avoid corn mael in the ingredients, and foods that doesn't have a lot of additives, and
has a low ash and magnesium content.I personally like eagle Pack, Nutro and Blue Holistic.
Also, frequent changing of bedding (Hammocks, etc.) and litter box will cut the odor considerably. Also, not bathing too much, which can cause excess oil production in the fur. And finally, as your ferret gets older, they can be litter trained. The odor of one ferret is not bad at all if you are diligent about the cage and care of your ferret.

But in reference to the food, You may want to switch to a good quality cat/kitten food with poultry as the main ingredient, and one that does NOT contain fish oil. Nutro Holistic is a good cat/kitten food, but not fish falvor. Chicken would be best. But since they are young, a good quality kitten food would be best until they are about 6 months old, then graduate them to the cat food. Also, give them a couple of drops of Ferretone each week. Just a couple of drops on your finger.
Also,since you are a new ferret owner, A GREAT A very good book is
"Ferrets for Dummies" by Kim Shilling. I highly recommend you read it, because it will help you with training, and litter training, and the like.Good luck with your new babies!
amy