r/ferret

i don't own any noodles but my bf has 4. i really do like them, and the ferrets themselves don't really have a smell to me (they just smell like animal if i stick my face in one, less potent than many dog breeds). ETA: it's not the musky ferret scent i'm smelling! i have to wash my hands after i pet someone's dog, but i don't have to after petting the ferrets.

i don't know how to bring it up, because initially i did not realize the source of the smell of clothes that were left out, but there's an unmistakeable "pet store" ammonia-type smell on clothes after being in the room. i brought my suitcase back home and had to re-wash clean clothes (ETA: did not touch ferrets) with vinegar because of it, it's very potent.

eventually we want to live together, but i cannot stand the thought of any fabric left out (couch, rugs, etc, not just clothes) sucking in that smell. what could it be and how could i fix it? we already plan on keeping them in one room to free roam because i don't live in a way conducive to ferret-proofing the whole place, but i assume that would be an office or some room we would spend time in and i don't want to come out smelling like a pet store!

i also don't know how to bring up the smell and would appreciate help with that if anyone else had experienced something similar

when i first got my ferrets, they were extreme unhealthy, underweight, abused and hard to play with. i used to let them out for 4 hours a day. i was worried that wasn’t enough. i got them in January for idea. now, they only play for 40mins- 1 hour and fall sleep in my room. i’ve tried getting more active with them but all they ever do is sleep now. i’m worried i did something wrong but i went to the vet thursday for a previous accident. vet said my ferrets are the most healthy they could ever be. no problems. it makes no sense why they don’t play that much. they used to dook, run around, chase each-other but now they just walk around and not play. i’m extremely worried

I’m getting a sibling for my ferret tomorrow and would like to know any tips or tricks introducing ferrets!
I already purchased a temporary enclosure for the new ferret, it’s a travel playpen that I can use if I also take them to friends houses or travel with them, but I’m gonna use it as their temporary home until I know that they can be trusted together. But I wanted to know other people’s experience introducing ferrets if anyone has any video or photo examples of the set ups that they made to introduce their fairy that should be greatly appreciated!