For ferret shedding, I use a soft brush to gently brush the ferret on a
daily basis.  In the spring I do it outside and let the fur float off for
the birds to pick up and use as nesting material.  Brushing will help them
with several things.  It helps the itch that they get with the new hair
growth, and it helps clear away the old coat faster.  And, as you pointed
out, it keeps them from ingesting lots of fur in grooming.  Hairball
remedies are still important though, especially during shed season.
 
I don't know if ferrets can get salmonella poisoning (anyone?), but if they
can, that is a very good reason in itself to keep them away from an iguana.
 
Anne
[Posted in FML issue 2942]