FUR FACTS 75 



this is comparatively a simple operation with young skunks, but 

 rather a dangerous thing with the older ones. The best time to 

 perform the operation is when the skunk is from four to five weeks 

 old, and even then it is advisable to have some one who is fairly 

 expert to do this work. To remove the gland make a sharp in- 

 cision on each side through the skin and enveloping muscles. This 

 exposes the round hard gland and duct. Care must be taken not 

 to cut the duct. When the round hard gland is exposed a clamp- 

 ing forceps should be placed over the duct close up to the gland. The 

 gland is then cut and the duct severed just beyond the clamp. The 

 gland with the clamp attached is then lifted out. It is not neces- 

 sary to use an aenesthetic for this operation on young skunks, and 

 we do not recommend it for the older animals unless it is found 

 absolutely necessary and then it should be performed only by one who 

 is really expert at this kind of work. Two men are needed to perform 

 the operation on the young skunk. After the operation the wound 

 should be dressed with a weak solution of carbolic acid. One promi- 

 nent raiser recommends that the scent sack be left in and not tak- 

 en out of the skunks that are to be killed for their fur, and this is 

 sound advice. For skunks that are to be sold as pets or for advertising 

 purposes it may be advisable to remove the scent sacks, but unless 

 there is some good reason for it, the sack should be left in and the 

 skunk allowed to lead as natural an existence as possible. Some own- 

 ers advise the method of cutting so as to expose the duct leading from 

 the gland and snipping out a short piece of it. In healing, the duct 

 is permanently closed and the animals are prevented from using its 

 musk. If the amateur is to perform the operation he should wear 

 old clothes and goggles. An old plank makes a good operating table. 

 The tools needed are a scalpel, a tennaculum (hook), probe, clamp, 

 extra forceps, and some white linen. See that the instruments are 

 thoroughly cleaned by being boiled in water. It requires two to 

 perform the operation successfully; one to hold the skunk by the 

 neck and keep its head down. Lay the skunk down on its 

 belly with its head towards the operator. The operator will wrap 

 the skunk in a sack or cloth and after this his assistant can release 

 his hold on the neck of the skunk. 



The skunk does most of his prowling at night and searches out 

 litters of baby rabbits, keeps a constant look out for beetles and bugs, 

 and is always on the alert. In real bitter cold weather he will curl 

 up and sleep in his den, but will come out at the first moderate day 

 and will waddle over the snow in search of something to eat. Early 



