We use "OTI-CLENS" for ear cleaning. I'm pretty sure you can only get it from your vet. In my highly unprofessional opinion, I think using a q-tip may just push the gunk further into the ear but I have yet to ask my vet if using oti-clens in the way described on the bottle is ok for ferrets... though I don't see why it wouldn't be. Directions state filling the ear canal, massage a bit and let 'em loose. They'll shake their head a lot and the gunk will be expelled with the oti-clens. We do it this way with our cat. mike [Posted in FML issue 0761]