KEEN INTEREST has been manifested in mink 



-^V. farming since the beginning of the present cen- 



!m\, luit it has been spasmodic rather than sus- 

 tained. Mink farming, however, is not altogether in 

 the experimental Btage, lor minks have been raised 

 successfully in captivity, and the quality of fur 

 produced on farms is in no way inferior to that 

 trapped in the wild. Miuks are very prolific, and 

 when fed and handled properly breed and produce 

 young regularly, their litters usually numbering six, 

 Seven, or eight. Those who have made money in 

 mink farming thus far have sold the animals chiefly 

 for breeding purposes. Further experiment will he 

 required before it can be determined whether raising 

 these animals in captivity as fur producers can be 

 made profitable. This leaflet contains information 

 on the following phases of the subject: 



Description and habits <if minks 



Selecting a ranch site 



Pens and dens 



Breeding 



Mating 



Feeding 



Management 



Killing and pelting 



Page 

 1 



2 



9 



3 

 4 

 i 



6 



October, 1927 



TUl leaflet is a contribution from the 

 Hurrau of Riological Survey. Paul G. Redington, Chief 

 Division of Fur Resources, Prank <.. Ashbrook, Biologist, in Charge 



ADDITIONAL COPIES 

 or this pfBLirtnon hat be pr'iti reii from 

 the superintendent or docv mints 



V. 8. OOVERNMENT I RrXTINO OFFICE 

 WASHINGTON, D. C. 

 AT 



5 CENTS PER COPY 



