Russ,
 
The ear wax may be normal.  Do you notice a strong odor around the ears?  If
you have a magnifying glass and a good eye you should be able to see the
small white mites if you rub the wax on a sheet of dark paper.
 
The dry paws are fairly common in older ferrets.  A little petrolium jelly on
the foot pads will help moisturize.  Don't over do it or you'll have greasy
paw prints all over the house.
 
Dick B.
[Posted in FML issue 1218]