My 4 year old, loving little ball of fur, Akimbo, has decided that he wants
to start a new fashion trend, hairless bellies!  Yep, he's taken it upon
himself to lick the fur off his belly from the inside thigh of one rear leg
to the other and up to his middle.  Sometimes he lets some of it grow back
but other times he licks it all off!  One time he even developed a red spot
on his belly from where he kept licking himself.  So I used one of the
remedies listed in an earlier post -- a little olive oil on the spot for
two days and it was gone!  My question is why is he doing this and what
should I do.
 
He's also taken up drinking his urine when he's out of his cage for play
time.  I've caught him doing this twice this week.  As soon as I do I put
out a bowl of fresh water for him.  After the bowl is out he doesn't seem
interested in the urine.  He drinks the water and plays in it and then goes
off to his usually ferretty duties around the room.  Any suggestions?  Is
this a vet worthy issue?  Any input would be appreciated
 
My other ferret, Augie, doesn't seem to be having any problems, perhaps
he's not a fashion trend setter like Akimbo.
 
Thanks!
Jen Daggs
[Posted in FML issue 2922]