Gwendolyn,
 
    I had the same problem you described in the FML with regards to getting
my ferret to take his vitamins.
    I found the easiest way to do this is to get the ferret to open his
little mouth (mine yawn when held by the scruff of the neck), and then put a
little smear of what you want him (or her, of course) to eat on the tongue.
    Both of my little ones, Buddy and Basil, HATED the vitamin paste I got
them, and I tried this just to get them to eat it for their own good --
after I smeared it on the tongues, though, and they ate it, they decided it
was VERY good, and will now fall all over themselves with excitement when
they smell it.  Hope this helps!  :)
 
Matt