Interesting.  I expect that he followed the route repeatedly because,
each time he did, the scent got stronger (and maybe he didn't know it
was *his*).  That brings up the possibility for alternating between two
ferrets, if they hesitate to follow the path subsequent times.  It amazes
me to see one of my ferrets track exactly where the other went under a
blanket.
 
They didn't need a mouse or anything for it to chase through the conduit?
I guess, as curious as ferrets are to always find "what's at the other
end", there would be no need of a lead creature.
 
Gary
[Posted in FML issue 4303]