Hi, To clear up blackheads on ferret tails, we've had good luck with Neutrogena's T/Gel shampoo. It's dark brown, a little smelly, and kind of expensive, but it cleared up Grendel's blackheads in about two baths (one a week), and more recently, has helped Boomer's acne in about three baths. We also carefully groom their tails to remove the blackheads at the same time that we clip their nails. They don't approve of either the grooming or the clipping, but when they're distracted with a little ferretone on the tummy, they're too busy licking to protest much. I don't know if it's the shampoo or the grooming or just time that helped, but both our guys cleared up pretty quickly. I don't expect Boomer to get his tail fur back until autumn shedding, but at least it's not getting worse. I've also seen generic brands of "Tar shampoo" which look and smell very similar for less money; maybe one of those would work as well. Happy Ferreting! Dennis [Posted in FML issue 1268]