My Oliver had a similar problem and it was blackheads on his tail. It was really easily remedied by just washing his tail once in awhile. Yes, a balding tail can be a symptom of adrenal disease but what you're describing sounds exactly like what was going on with Ollie. Here's a thread I found with someone asking the same question and what they were told to do to resolve it: http://www.ferretuniverse.com/discus/messages/1263/4934.html?1103657125 You may want to have your vet check it out just to be sure. If you want a great place to come and get instant answers to questions about ferret care come join my forum - http://ferretocious.hyperboards.com. We have a lot of really knowledgeable ferret folk as well as the owners of two different ferret shelters - so always someone on that can help :) - Laura and The Seattle Seven at www.ferretocious.com [Posted in FML issue 5238]