>Yesterday there was a question on tips and methods for brushing ferrets >teeth. Please post answers to the fml too! I know I need to start doing >it for my ferrets and it would really help to have input from those who >know how. I use a kiddie toothbrush since two of mine like to bite. It keeps my fingers out and does a good job of getting all the teeth. What I have found to work best is the Maxi Guard gel. It's a blue gel that comes in a bottle. You get this from your vet. This stuff really keeps the tartar build up down. The vet and the tech is monitoring my ferrets since they have few examples of this gel being used in ferrets due to many owners not brushing the ferrets teeth. Both are very pleased with the results. All of mine either like it, or it doesn't bother them. I started out using the cat malt paste. They liked the flavor, but it didn't keep the tartar buildup down. I did try the Marshall toothpaste gel. First of all, NONE of them liked it, and I actually lost everything in toothbrush training with one. I take it as at least eight ferrets don't like mint. And it didn't work well. What I do is I scruff with one hand, toothbrush in other hand, and brush away. I'm still trying to train my Utah ferrets to let me do it for longer, but I'm not too worried since the Maxi gel is enzymatic. Just do it slowly, getting them used to the brushing. For some of them, they do put their paws in the way, I just put the brush comming from the back of their head. Makes it harder for them to push it away. Amy and the boys God Bless America [Posted in FML issue 3654]