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

been moving farther northward and are now found, though not numerous, as far north as Central Pennsylvania; but are fou

t show by opening the mouth, and present a rather fierce appearance, but when touched by man or animal, they

is is of rare occurrence. They do not hibernate but will remain in the dens durin

quite shallow; the nest at the extremity being lined with leaves or grass. They als

y small and imperfectly formed and are immediately placed by the mother in the pouch on her belly, where they remain until they have attained a perfect form and have become large en

ails about that of the parent. They will reach their full growth within a year, if the conditions are favorable-that

imal which their slow movements will allow of capturing, also on eggs and young birds, for they are good climbers. They are quite fond of wild

e nearest tree, unless they are close to the den. As an article of food they are hig

near a market. At present prices the young animals by midwinter, will average a dollar each in value, when selling both the skin and carcass. The ease w

so gnaw out of wooden enclosures if there is a crack or any chance to get a start. They will readily climb out of the enclosure if made of wood unless covere

lid, 18 inches will be deep enough. The animals, if properly fed, watered and cared for, will soon become accu

nding about half way into Nebraska, then South through Kansas, all of Oklahoma and the lowlands or the Eastern half of Texas. The opossum is not a cold weather animal, and in its wild state would freeze if it inhabited territory

of "playing 'possum" when injured, their instinct along other lines seems very shallow, as they do not always know enough to "get in out

The raiser must see that they have good and deep burrows-deep enough that the ground will never freeze to their nest. They should have plenty of leaves in their nest. If the enclosure is in a thicket, and there are trees

for various reasons: They are prolific breeders, bringing forth from 6 to 1

an Opossum or R

ys when the fur will be prime and the meat in demand. In cities like New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Pittsburg, Buffalo, Cleveland, Detroit, Columbus, Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Chicago, Milwaukee, Omaha, Des Moines, Kansas City, St. Louis, etc., a market can be had in each for large quantities at each of these holidays, as well as considerab

food; their growth is rapid and that the pelt is extra, does not this animal promi

s and always "gaining." Six months later, or December fifteenth, if well fed and cared for, they will weigh from nine to fifteen pounds. By this it

e or older. The female, with her large family, should be given plenty of food from the time the young are a few da

be made in boxes, old logs and the like. These should be so placed and constructed that food