Becca Simpson's query on oils for ear-cleaning: yes, baby oil is fine, and, yes, the scent may tick 'em off. But life is stern and earnest. Cliping toenails: linatone on the belly. Works for my guys every time. They're suckers for the stuff. At least two posts in the last couple of months mentioned the stress of medicating/hydrating a sick ferret. Forthwith, a zen-of-ferreting technique. PRECEPT 1: Do not equate kindness with comfort. Medicating is a kindness. It is not comfortable. Center yourself and your purposes: breathe deeply while repeating, "This ferret. This medicine. This ferret will be medicated." PRECEPT 2: Place the patient on a kitchen counter or table. (The higher the better: as for yourself, suspended from heaven and rooted in earth.) Orient the ferret West-East, head facing the east (right side: reverse if you're left-handed.) PRECEPT 3: The Grip. Using the left hand, firmly and gently grip the ferret's head by making a collar out of the little finger and thumb. The ferret's breathing should (obviously) not be impaired, but he should not be able to slide out of the grip. The ring-finger and index-finger should gently lift the upper lips and pry open the jaws. The middle finger should assist wherever necessary, usually in depressing the tongue. Tilt the head back. PRECEPT 4: Medicate. Using a dropper, insert medicine. The ferret will swallow. If the medicine is unpleasant you may need to momentarily tighten the collar (see Precept 3) to keep the patient from backing out of your grip. PRECEPT 5: Recovery. The ferret will now defecate in a corner to demonstrate displeasure. It is otherwise unharmed. Call a therapist for yourself. Peace, Otter [Posted in FML issue 1639]