How to Start a Mink Farm

By eHow Careers & Work Editor

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Fur-farming began in North America in the nineteenth century, though it was a tradition for far longer in Europe. In fact, the bulk of fur-farming still takes place in Europe; North America has only 12 percent of the fur farms today. Since mink fur, in particular, is prized, mink farming can be lucrative. Read this article to learn how to start a mink farm.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging
Step1
Acquire knowledge of the mink, including life cycle, breeding cycles, and more. You may find this information at such sites as the Fur Commission USA website.
Step2
Learn about the mink's nutritional needs throughout its life cycle.
Step3
Choose the site for a mink farm carefully, taking into account future building growth around you.
Step4
Look for a site that allows for good drainage, such as slightly sloping land.
Step5
Build sheds for mink farming that are just over twelve feet wide.
Step6
Construct a fence around the minks' sheds.
Step7
Create year-round boxes for breeding animals and line them with straw or wood shavings.
Step8
Provide wire cages for the mothers and their young. The young will stay with their mothers until they are seven to eight weeks old.
Step9
Install separate wire cages in which the babies are placed within groups of two or three.
Step10
Place mature minks reserved for breeding purposes in their own cages.
Step11
Supply the proper care for the mink, including vaccinations and treatment should the mink become injured.
Step12
Buy your mink stock through farms that have been certified through the Fur Commission USA. The site provides contact information.
Step13
Train your staff in the proper care of the animals.
Step14
Give your animals only fresh food and an abundant supply of clean water.
Step15
Become certified through the Fur Commission USA.

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