Yeah, that could very well be the problem then. Also, if it doesn't come out with the shed, you can get one of those little rubber ear syringes at any drug store or Wal-Mart, etc..for next to nothing and that should be able to suck it out efficiently. It sounds like that fine bark material likes to pack easily.
Good luck with it.
~Doug
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"a snake in the grass is a GOOD thing" 

serpentinespecialties.webs.com

