Hi,
 
I'm not a vet nor an animal shrink, but I'm sure the ferret that won't
eat by himself is not 'spoiled.' Except for us humans (and a few birds),
anorexia is usually due to physical causes, not psychological.  My
suspicion is that either something about eating is uncomfortable for the
ferret or his body chemistry is off kilter.  I would ask the vet about
insulin function, as you were thinking (especially because of the 'air
licking' and the back leg weakness) and then about physical problems with
his mouth, throat or stomach, such as an ulcer or constricted passage.
 
I can't cite the source, but I think there's a reference in the insulinoma
info on the veterinary Web pages that describes 'air licking.'
 
Best of luck to you!  I hope your little guy recovers soon.
 
J. Snyder
 
505 661 4456
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[Posted in FML issue 2572]