Thanks to articles Sukie spent time bringing to light.. I learned that the crusting around chin (and/or feet) could be one of signs of distemper. So many people I have written to over the years are NOT giving distemper shots to their ferrets! But, apparently, this crusting could be just one of the symptoms from not giving that shot. I give mine their shots every year for the first 2 years. Then...I see how their health is. I usually get mine older. So they have health issues after I have had them after 2 to 3 years. I have not given Mini me or Tuffy a distemper shot in 2 years now. Mini me almost died from her last one. Tuffy had one every year for 5 years. Now he is adrenal and has heart issues. I gave one to the elderly ones I adopted initially. And I may well give them another in another year...IF they are relatively healthy. But then I will play it by ear. If I give them another distemper this coming winter..I will probably wait 2 years and see how they are before considering another. I am not a vet, and may not be doing the right thing. But this IS what I am doing. I know a lot of people will not speak out on what they are really doing or not doing in regards to distemper shots to the group. But many are not ever giving distemper shots. You may want to reconsider. As I understand it, distemper can be carried in on your shoes. [Posted in FML 5750]