4 LEAFLET NO. 8, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 



the date of breeding, but with minks this is riot always possible. 

 The number of young in a litter varies from 2 to 10, but the average 

 raised from adult parents is about 5. 



Breeding for prepotency, prolificacy, and disposition are of as 

 much importance as breeding lor color and quality of fur. The real 



basis, however, for selecting the minks to be mated 

 Mating is the quality of fur produced by the ofFspring. The 



pelt should be perfectly and evenly furred all over the 

 body. It should be dark brown, reasonably long, and lustrous and 

 silky. 



It is necessary to study as carefulby as possible the nature of the 

 minks to be mated by watching their actions. Animals of approxi- 

 mately the same a<j:e should be paired. Males should be placed near 

 or next to the females with which they are to be mated, so that they 

 can see each other through the wire and become acquainted. When 

 the mating season arrives and the pair is placed together, the animals 



30173-M 



FIG. 4. — Mink pens arranged In rows, one opposite the other. The dens are inside the 

 pens, and the alleyway is inclosed with wire netting to prevent the animals from 



escaping 



should be observed to determine accurately and quickly whether they 

 will live together peaceably. A decision one way or the other, in 

 some instances, may be reached in a few hours, but it may take days 

 or even a week in others. If minks are inclined to get along well 

 together, the breeder may expect a successful outcome. Failure to 

 choose mates properly by careful selection and observation may result 

 in the loss of a valuable breeding animal. 



The male mink can be turned through a chute into the female's 

 pen, or he can be caught in the nest box or in a special catching box 

 and carried to her pen. A mating may take place in from 30 minutes 

 to an hour. An aggressive male will pursue his mate and attempt 

 to serve her if she is in heat. He will generally make a clucking 

 noise and she will do likewise. Leave them together for a day or 

 two if they live peaceably. If the female is in heat, she will not 

 strongly resist service; but if a fight ensues, the pair should be sepa- 

 rated and not placed together again for about five days. 



