Mandy, I'm a day late with reading the FML and just see your post. I can almost guaranty you that your little boy has adrenal problems. My Charlie started to do this years ago. He would grab boys and girls alike and hump them. He grab on to their ears and go in to a trance like state. It was almost impossible to get him to release. The only way he would let go was after I held some Nutrical or Ferretone in front of his nose.( Don't put it on his nose if he is in a trance he might breeze it in!) I had to separate him from the others until after his surgery if I was not there to watch him.He would suck the ears until they appeared raw. That stopped after surgery. Your boy is only 3 years and that is not old. Unless he has other problems, surgery is still the best choice. I'm worried though that your vet has no clue about these symptoms and I would make sure he is confident and experienced enough to such a surgery. Very important also that he knows what to do if something goes wrong afterward. Just make sure you choose a ferret knowledgeable vet. If this will be your first experience with a ferret surgery I would suggest you inform yourself beforehand on how to care for him. After-care is so important for good recovery. Sukie has a nice post about this and I'm sure its in the FML archives. Searchable archives: <http://listserv.ferretmailinglist.org/archives/ferret-search.html> Again Mandy, if your vet has no clue that these are adrenal symptoms then please look for another vet. Do you have a choice in your area? It does pay to drive a reasonable distance to get him to a ferret knowledgeable vet. Best wishes, Helga (The one who's motor runs on ferret kisses) [Posted in FML 5610]