Although the basic activities which focus on providing the mink with a comfortable and stress-free environment, clean water, well balanced diets, and overall good health, remain the same year round, many other activities change based on the season, and where the mink is in its life cycle.
This is the time of the year that ranchers focus on bringing mink (both male and female) into good breeding condition. This involves adjusting the diet and feeding program to remove excess weight and encourage increased exercise. This is important for good production and a successful whelp.
Some ranches choose to blood test (Aleutian disease) or vaccinate at this time.
In preparation for breeding, mink are positioned within the barns depending on the breeding system practiced on the farm. Usually this involves small sections of male mink surrounded by larger sections of female mink. Most farms breed a ratio of 4-5 females for every male. This positioning makes the transfer of females into the males’ pens more efficient and less labour intensive. Females are always placed into the males’ pens for breeding – never the reverse, as it is important for the males to be on their own territory.
The act of mating stimulates ovulation.This is similar to domestic cats but different from other domestic species. At 9 days after the first pairing, the ovaries have been replenished. Thus, most ranchers practice a breeding program of Day 1 and Day 9. Many ranchers also mate the day after Day 9 (Day 10), as the extra mating often results in the fertilization of more eggs.
Ranchers keep breeding records to track the mating dates,the genetics of the parents and grandparents, and carefully track all important selection information such as reproductive success, health status and fur quality.
Gestation varies from 40-70 days (due to a delayed implantation). This period may be shortened by extending the daylight period with the use of lights immediately following breeding.
In preparation for whelping, nests are prepared with ample bedding and the females are kept comfortable. Unnecessary stresses and noises are avoided.
Females give birth to an average of 5-6 kits (maybe higher, depending on colour-type). The newborn kits are very tiny (the size of your little finger), have no fur, and cannot see.
Females spend most of their time in the nest boxes caring for their kits. Ranchers check nest boxes regularly to make sure that the females are in good health and lactating properly, and that all of the kits are kept warm, getting ample milk, and are growing well. Female health is also monitored by feed consumption. A sudden decline in consumption is a sign that the female (and her litter) requires immediate attention.
Sometimes it is necessary to foster kits if litters are large and there is not an ample supply of milk to support all of their needs for growth. Sometimes ranchers foster entire litters if the female is sick, not lactating properly, or is not taking good care of her kits. Female mink are normally very accepting of fostered kits.
Throughout this period, the correct balance of fat and protein in the diet are critical for proper lactation (thus kit growth) and maintenance of the females. Females are fed based on the size of their litter, the age of the kits, and their physical condition.
Feed is introduced to kits between 4-5 weeks of age. They quickly transition to a diet consisting more of feed and less of mother’s milk. The kits will also become familiar with the water source (water dish or nipple).
During this period, it is important that nests are kept dry, that feed and water is readily available, and that the kits are content.
At approximately 6-8 weeks of age, the kits are weaned from their mothers. When they are capable of maintaining body heat in smaller groups, they will be placed into pairs.
The main activity during this period is feeding. The feed rations are designed to promote growth. Often mink are fed multiple times a day to ensure that there is always fresh feed available. adult breeders) are vaccinated. In Canada we use a 4-Way vaccine, protecting against Distemper, Pseudomonas, Enteritis and Botulism. This task can be very time consuming, however, is very important.
In July all mink (kits and adult breeders) are vaccinated. In Canada we use a 4-Way vaccine, protecting against Distemper, Pseudomonas, Enteritis and Botulism. This task can be very time consuming, however, is very important.
In August growth of the winter fur begins. The diet changes to support hair growth. Mink fur has two components, the longer shinier guard hair that is most visible, and the shorter softer underfur that is hidden beneath.
At the end of August, the mink’s bodily development has by and large been completed. Subsequent growth consists primarily of fat.
It is important to keep nest boxes clean, the mink well fed and content. This is critical in protecting the valuable fur coat.
By fall the fur thickens (more hair per square inch). Fur growth begins at the tail and continues up the back and to the head. The winter furring process is not stimulated by cold temperatures, but rather by the shortening of the daylight period. This change stimulates the production of melatonin, a hormone that activates hair follicles to produce new hair. During furring the minks’ skin appears blue. When the fur growth is complete the skin changes to a creamy white and the fur is considered to be prime.
Most mink are graded in November or early December, depending on colour-type and sex. Grading involves careful physical evaluation of the mink’s fur coat. Characteristics considered include texture, underfur density, nap length (length of guard hair) and colour. Market demand at the time will dictate which characteristics should receive the greatest focus.
Grades are used to determine which mink will be pelted and which will be kept as breeding stock for the next season. Fur grades are often used in conjunction with size/weight, litter size, reproductive history of parents, temperament and disease history.
The mink selected for breeding stock will be placed in separate pens.
The mink selected for pelting will be euthanized by exposure to carbon monoxide. This method is humane, works quickly and creates minimal stress.
Pelting may occur on site or the mink may be shipped to a pelting operation offsite for processing.
With few exceptions, the processed pelts are shipped to auction houses for sale.
