Ring-tailed lemurs are used to grooming in packs.
Ring-tailed lemurs are social groomers, meaning they typically groom one another in groups; grooming is also done simultaneously -- as one lemur grooms another, the other grooms it back. Ring-tailed lemurs are born with special teeth and claws that are used specifically for combing and scraping the fur to rid it of dirt and other particles. However, a ring-tailed lemur that is isolated from its social group will need help with its grooming process. Learn how lemurs perform their grooming so that you can base your technique on what the lemur is familiar with.
Instructions
1. Sit close to the lemur; close proximity is what ring-tailed lemurs are accustomed to during their grooming sessions, as it enables them to be able to groom one another simultaneously.
2. Look through the lemur's fur for evidence of insects or other particles. Pick out what you find using your fingers or long tweezers. Use a flashlight or spotlight if you have trouble seeing the fur and skin.
3. Use a comb to brush the lemur's fur. Ring-tailed lemurs are used to being groomed by teeth and claws; specifically, the grooming tools used by lemurs are known as the "tooth comb," which are six lower teeth, and the "toilet claw," which is an oversized nail on the toe. As such, a comb is a similar grooming tool to the lemur's tooth comb.
4. Set out a large dish of water for the ring-tailed lemur to bathe in. While lemurs are used to grooming one another while dry, the lemur may use the water to wet his fur anyway.
5. Keep the lemur's ears clean. Use wet cotton balls to wipe out any dirt. In the wild, ring-tailed lemurs will lick or pick at one another's ears to keep them clean, and wet cotton balls make an effective substitution for licking.
6. Do not worry about clipping the claws of your ring-tailed lemur. Ring-tailed lemurs only have one claw, the toilet claw, which they need to keep long.
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