Unfortunately I have no idea what the correct dose of vitamin A would be.  I
did read an article written by a veterinarian once though (I can't remember
which publication), that first cautioned me about this.  And being an avid
vitamin taker, myself, I have read about vitamins and know not to take too
much of some in particular, vitamin A being at the top of the list.  I do as
Dick Bossart does and mix my Ferretone with olive oil, and my ferrets each
get only a few drops of that twice a week.  I'm not a nutritionist nor a
scientist and do not claim to know all the particulars here nor how they
relate to ferrets.  That's why I didn't want to get too specific with my
original comment.  I just wanted to express my thoughts and share an
experience that I thought was significant, given the question that the first
writer brought up.  All I know from my own study of vitamins is that an
excess of vitamin A in humans can cause HAIR LOSS, WEAKNESS, ENLARGED LIVER
& SPLEEN, among other things.  And what are some of the unexplained problems
we see so frequently in our ferrets!!?
 
Alexis wonders if a ferret friend would be in order for her Madeline.  I
say, yes, yes, yes.  Since you both are away from home much of the time,
your ferret is probably very lonely at times.  Do this while she is still
young.  Ferrets are very social animals, and I think that lonliness torments
them.  They will still relate to you - take my word for it.  we have 33
ferrets, and all of them are very loving and affectionate.  They race (the
older ones just totter!) through the house after me, in their groups.  They
follow me everywhere and want me to play with them.  It's never good enough
to just play with eachother!  They do that too, but playing with the people
is their first choice.  I say go for it.  You will be delighted with the
antics of two, and they will still bond with you, as long as you give them
plenty of love and attention.  But in the meantime, when you can't be there,
Madeline will have a friend to keep her company.
 
Best wishes to all, especially to Rebecca, who has been living through a
nightmare.
 
Joanie Williams and Huggy, Pansy, Daisy, Buddy, Sparky, Fooie, Dinky,
Desiree, Mickey, Smokey, Rascal, Mr. Mischief, Seraphine, Silky, Thiefa,
Precious, Honey, Cloe, Cinnamon, Maranda, Parming, Tippy, Frosty, Pepper,
Danci, Natasha, Romey, Dusty, Snowy, Timmy, Tommy, Shammy, Petunia, the
Happy Handsful at Ferret Haven!
[Posted in FML issue 1705]