134 Department of Conservation of Louisiana 



that country in the past. However, skunk is becoming more 

 and more fashionable in this country; it is expected that 

 the prices on skunk will rise, and within a short time. 



Attempts have been made to raise skunks for their fur 

 in captivity and on a commercial scale since 1885, but it 

 has never proved successful because of the low price of the 

 fur. Most of these activities were confined to developing a 

 strain of wholly black animals by selective breeding. The 

 high prices that have prevailed in recent years and the 

 signs of a renewal of Germany's interest in this fur has 

 led to renewed discussion of skunk raising. That the skunk 

 can be raised successfully in breeding pens in Louisiana 

 there is no doubt, but whether or not the pelting will pay 

 for the care, plant and food is another matter. 



If the price of pelts ever go high enough there are ex- 

 cellent reasons for believing that skunk farming in this 

 state will pay. There is scarcely any problem to be faced 

 in fencing, the diet of skunks is varied and the animal is 

 less wild than other members of the musteline family. The 

 odor of the skunk may be disregarded as the breeder can 

 remove the scent glands, rendering his animals harmless 

 in this regard. If the breeding animals are not annoyed 

 there is no need even for this operation, as they soon become 

 tame in captivity and the keeper may handle them with 

 impunity. 



There is some danger to the animal in removing the 

 scent glands in mature animals, although it may be per- 

 formed on the young animals without endangering their 

 lives. The best time for this operation is when the young 

 are four or five weks old. According to information fur- 

 nished by the Bureau of Biological Survey in Farmers' 

 Bulletin 587, the skunk should be held between the knees 

 of the operator by means of a gunny sack wrapped about 

 the animal's body and feet and an assistant is needed for 

 the operation. 



To remove the glands a short incision on each side of 

 the anus through the skin and enveloping muscle is neces- 

 sary, as shown in the accompanying illustration A. The 

 cuts will expose the round, hard gland and duct. Care 



