NOV 2 5 1927 



MINK RAISING 



By Frank G. Ashbrook, Biologist in Charge Division of Fur Resources 

 Bureau of Biological Survey 



(COMPARATIVELY FEW PERSONS are raising minks in 

 captivity, even though the fur has sold for high prices during 

 the past 10 years. Wild breeding stock is not only difficult to obtain, 

 but animals captured wild do not respond readily to good treatment. 

 Beginners should purchase breeding stock from a reliable breeder 

 and carefully follow his instructions until the minkeries are well 

 established. (Pig. 1) Young minks born in captivity are much 



Fig. 1. — A lnrge mlnkery, consisting of a central house in the foreground with pens 

 arranged 011 both sides. Other structures are for other animals raised on the fur 

 farm 



superior for breeding stock, and consequently the prices asked for 

 ranch-raised minks often are higher than the prospective mink 

 farmer cares to pay. 



The American mink is one of the most valuable members of the 

 weasel family and is widely known for its fur. It 

 Description is long-bodied and attains a weight of from iy 2 

 and Habits of to more than 2 pounds. The legs are short, and 

 Minks the animal travels with the back arched, in a series 



of easy bounds, which it appears able to continue 



tirelessly. 



Minks are bold and courageous and in the wild attack and kill 

 for food species heavier than themselves, such as the varying hare 

 and the muskrat. They eat mice, rats, chipmunks, squirrels, and 



58979°— 27 1 



