Regarding the 1 year old with possible adrenal symptoms, I would guess a
vet would want more information then you know right now.  there is an
adrenal test that can be done, but it costs money ($150 3 years ago), and
if your vet is very ferret knowledgable a lot of times they won't insist
on doing it, because you usually can tell from symptoms.  But just hair
loss alone I don't think would be enough.  If this ferret is a male, then
you definitely need to keep track of the peeing issue.  That's a definite
sign.  And it is very dangerous to let a male ferret peeing more than
usual to go without some kind of vet investigation.  With adrenal it is
the prostate that swells up and can prevent the ferret from eliminating
any urine.
 
And regarding the nyc ferret questions...some people clean ferret ears
every week as a habit so they don't forget, but if not, they should be
cleaned when they are dirty.  And, ferrets are free-roamers regarding
food.  They do not overeat, usually.  So they should have access to food
at all times.  Their digestive system is short, about 3 to 4 hours from
eating to elimination.  Definitely more than 2 times a day.  If you have
a choice between going with the advice from a pet store, or the advice
you read in a ferret book, go with the book (a book recently published,
say, within the last 10 years).  Pet stores are inconsistent about those
that choose to learn about ferrets and those that simply sell ferrets.
Even within a pet store organization there are inconsistencies.  And
finally, most people knowledgable about ferrets (outside of those that
claim to be so within the pet store), do not endorse using any form of
chip bedding.  A blankie and a litter pan, and a hammock.  Free access
to food and water and their owner, and you have, more or less, ferret
heaven.  Oh, and raisins.
 
Minta & Linus
[Posted in FML issue 4029]