Fur Farming / A book of Information about Fur Bearing Animals, Enclosures, Habits, Care, etc.

skunk and the small spotted skunk of the Central States,-commonly known as the "civet

l, and of this animal naturalists recognize several va

the hilly and mountainous districts of the East, and are at home in the "wilds" as well as in the thickly settled districts, however, they seem to thrive best in the farming sections and especially if the country is of a hilly nature. Their dens are located along the gravelly hillside

ich to spend the winter. Again, in early spring during the mating season, the males travel considerably. While they are not a hibernating

re born mostly in May, although some will be born in April. There are usually f

nsiderable difference in respect to sizes and markings of the average catches of the various sections. From some parts of the country they will run quite large, in other parts small, and while in one section they

f such birds as nest on the ground. They are very fond of poultry and frequently visit the poultry houses, killing the young birds. They also feed on carrion. When they can get it they will eat almost any kind of

eople will give them a wide berth. This scent is only used when alarmed or frightened and in captivity there is

d good judgment and have given the subject all of the attention it deserves, they have been reasonably successful. Most of these people have started in on a small scale, having perhaps only a dozen or two of skunks to start with; in fact, nowhere has the business been carr

a fair knowledge of the nature and habits of the skunk and therefore were more qualified for making the business a successful one. Trappers naturally take an interest in all nature and are most likely to

n breeding domestic animals, how much more important the care in handling the wild creatures, knowing so little of them as the average man does. But even handicapped by lack of knowledge the experimenters have been fairly succe

e has provided it, but it is only when frightened that it uses this scent and once they have become tame and learn that they will not be harmed they are practically harm

imals but many of them will die from the operation and there is p

a fortune in a short time, but in this they were mistaken, for many of them lost all that they invested. These parties have had trouble from the older animals killing and eating the young, also from depredatio

ll scale with only a small number of animals, say two dozen females and six males. Give them every po

h dampness in the dens. There should be banks of earth for the animals to den in and the ground should have a gradual slope so that it will drain readily. If it is of a sandy nature it will be all the better. Some who have tried skunk farming have located the yards on the shore of a small lake or pond and have included a portion of the p

yard. For fencing material, galvanized wire netting of one-inch mesh is advised, as the young animals will escape through a two-inch mesh. The fence should be seven feet in height. Under ordinary conditions the skunk would not escape over a four-foot fence, but there

an Ohio

ome large enough to take care of themselves. Some also make small yards in which to place the females, two or three together, after the young animals are born. The most of those who have tried skunk breeding, however, have not found this necessary, but there should always be a separa

ate to use dens already made. Boxes, barrels or pens with board floors should not be used. Some of the successful ones claim that this has a tendency to cause a thick pelt and th

weet potatoes, berries, etc. One of the most satisfactory foods is bread and milk, but it is considered too expensive by some people. However, it could be given occasionally. They are very fond of carrion, but such food should not be given, for it is likely to cause disease. If near a slaughter house one can get plenty of offal and in t

ood that causes them to eat their young and on

pply this food. They are fond of eggs, either fresh or spoiled, and should be given a feed

rant keepers will generally save table scraps, stale bread, etc., on request, if one will make a regular habit of calling for it. Even in the country the neighbor

ebruary and in March and the young animals make their appear

ed and to make certain, another male should be installed for a few days. Two males should never be allowed with the females at one time or th

k. Only the large and healthy animals of good color should be used and all oth

by selected breeding. One should, each year secure fresh breeding stock from other localities and related animals should not be allowed

ed or otherwise they may kill and eat the young. They should be allowed to remain in these small enclosures until the young animals a

uring the winter and especially during the breeding season and while the mother is still nursing the young they will require plenty of nour

be a profitable one. All small and weak animals and those showing considerable white fur, especially males should be killed off while the fur is in good condition. If you

frightened by the intrusion of dogs into the e

are in good shape so that the animals do not escape. If they are found digging hol

and they should have plenty of room so that they can change

and attend to their wants. If one will give the proper attention to the anim