Greetings, all. I've been lurking for a couple of months here, after discovering the little critters of which we are all so fond. Initially, we considered taking a ferret that was looking for a new home when his dad had to move and couldn't take him, but someone else took him home first. This led us to the search for info on these critters, discovering how terrific they are, then deciding that we could not continue without adding a new baby to our family. Consequently, after searching and calling pet stores and shelters, we bought not one, but two ("honey, you can't just have ONE-- she will need a buddy to snuggle with!") 14 week old kits, Gracie and Digger - named by the kids after animals on a TV show on Meerkats. They are MF kits from a pet store where we were impressed by the overall knowledge, treatment and condition of their animals, esp the ferrets. They have proven to be absolutely wonderful little friends, quickly learning to use the litter box(es), and quickly learning that YOU DON"T BITE HUMANS! (wet toes right out of the shower are an exception). We have a busy household, with multiple animals and three children, ages 3, 5 and 12. My kids have been conditioned to behave around all kinds of animals, as I have a pet sitting business. I knew they would be good with the ferrets, and I was right. G&D chase the cats through the house, lick the guinea pigs through the gp's cage, and crawl all over the greyhound, much to her dismay--all under the very watchful eye of MOM. Gracie follows the kids around like a puppy, enjoying their raucous play and joining right in. She has several stashes of toy dinosaurs, her treasures! Digger is partial to exploring and dragging stuffed animals three times her size around the house ("How come this won't fit under the dresser?!"), and has become quite attached to me, seeking me out when she wants to play-- and we are very lucky-they are both of the cuddly variety of ferrets! They are healthy, fully vaccinated and wonderful. However, I have two questions for those of you more experienced than I with ferrets: 1) G&D both get ferretone daily, about 3/4 tsp. I also give them ferretvit, esp. Digger, as she is a little thinner than Gracie and doesn't seem to pick up weight as fast, although otherwise healthy. I am concerned about overdosing Vit A in giving both supplements- my vet, who is moderately well versed in ferretdom, as it is relatively new in Massachusetts, says that as long as I stay within the recommended dosage on the label, it SHOULD be OK. They are 18 weeks old and were 1.6 and 1.4 lbs, respectively,when checked by vet two weeks ago. What do you think? 2) Digger has a funny bone structure- her breast-bone and bottom of the rib cage is slightly protruding and seems lower than on Gracie, as if she may have extra ribs. I wonder if this may be related to her thinness, if it might be a congenital defect, or "just how she is made". The vet didn't think it anything to be alarmed about, but I am concerned that it might cause her future problems--any experience with odd bone structures? Sorry to be so windy, just wanted to say "HI" to y'all, and I enjoy reading your letters- lots of fun and information here! My strongest thoughts to Kodo and his people; I am appalled at what is happening. We just can't be too careful with our misunderstood friends. Thanks and nice to meet you ---Myra [Posted in FML issue 1937]