I had no reference to connect ear-sucking with adrenal tumors. I've had adrenal ferrets before, but they did not show this sign of hormonal imbalance. I am sincerely thankful for all you FMLers with more ferret experience than I that connected the two for me. I thought Frost might be adrenal, because the hair on his tail was thinning a bit, but it is difficult to draw the line from calling it "thinning hair" to "hair loss". I've settled on giving melatonan orally every day as Frost's treatment, considering his age and other factors. I am glad there was something I could start immediately, as Ayla needed a break, and I was loathed to separate my four into two pairs. Codo thrives with other ferrets (more than just Ayla) around, so I'm not sure a separation would be good for him. Frost seems a bit calmer today, not dragging Ayla around by her ear, a practice he began yesterday during playtime. It is disturbing, yet curious, to observe a ferret trying to stash another ferret in a corner. Frost took his medicine, a mixture of ground human melatonan pills in Ferretin, eagerly, and wanted more as soon as I opened the cage today. All those years ago, I hated forcing Niki to take her Pred; she hated the taste. Now, what could have been a negative chore may turn out to be a positive way to bond more with Frost. Thanks again to everyone who helped me reach the appropriate conclusions regarding Frost's behavior and health. With respect, Lori in Ohio Ferrets: Rhys, Frost, Ayla, & bCodo Cats: Reaganne & Little Miss [Posted in FML 6347]