chin-rubbing and ear cleaning

Question
Hi Cindy!

I have two male ferrets (neutered) that are about 2 or 3 years old.  

Recently I've noticed that after they have treats (especially after Sheppherd and Greene's Chicken Bacon Ranch treats and sometimes after Ferretvite) they wipe their lower jaws along the carpet, similar to how they act when they try to get their harnesses off.  Why do they do this?  Does it mean they have an allergy to something in the treats and they get itchy as a symptom of the allergy?  

Also, do you have any suggestions on how to make ear cleaning less of a struggle?  I don't do it probably as often as I should, so I expect with time, and increased frequency, they'll get more used to it.  But I don't want to traumatize them in the meantime by having to hold them awkwardly while I clean their ears with cotton balls and ear cleaning solution.  

Thanks for your help!
MA

Answer
Hello Mary,

It sounds like they are wiping their faces off after the treats.  Especially with ferret-vite, which is oily, they are using the carpet like a giant napkin.   If it was an allergy, the skin would be inflamed, red and very itchy.  

I'm not sure about what sort of ingredients are in the Sheppherd and Greene treats, but make sure you give healthy snacks and kibble to your ferrets. Below is a link to a question I answered about ferret nutrition, so please give it a peek!

http://en.allexperts.com/q/Ferrets-2277/2010/5/Ferret-Food-Litter.htm

Ear cleaning can always be a struggle!  One thing you can try is to place some ferret-vite or peanut butter on their tummy to distract them.  My guys become obsessed with getting it licked off that they forget what I am doing!  Give it a try, it might work for you too.

Let me know if you have any other questions!

-Cindy P.