[clotho]

Some people use syringes to clean out their boars, but I tried it and found it very difficult. The stuff inside the sac is quite thick sometimes and I didn't find the syringe got it out well. I like to use mineral oil and Qtips - it works great.

I agree that it's not something you HAVE to do weekly - some people do it every couple weeks or once a month or so. How long at a time would you be going away? You could assure your Mom that it would be ok to leave them without a cleaning for the time you are gone. The only time you wouldn't be able to hold off is if your boars developed impaction.

I also agree it's not quite as gross as it sounds. It's smelly, yes. But you get used to it.