Historic, archived document
Do not assume content reflects current
scientific knowledge, policies, or practices.
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SILVER-FOX FARMING
By
FRANK G. ASHBROOK, Assistant Biologist
Division of Economic Investigations
Bureau of Birlogical Survey
June 20, 1923
Pee ie : CONTENTS
ss Page Page
1 | Essentials of breeding. . - - .- 2.2 22s LEP EI 5
& ratte e a sere eeess + 2 Essentials offeeding .... . eis vs sey - 3
_ History offoxfarming. .......-..-. 3 | Generalmanagement .....- is Sere 45
a --- eri epee ‘whee MAO acd egw, oa. 5 ge Re te ere 52
Recommendations to beginners .-....-- - iS Rea oan feo ara ace ee Re 55
oes pein «ee p a so a 6 Diseases pe el en Shy a wm eae tele to 55
ahs i ee eee 9 Graig ee a. was antic e: atc Oceano ate 56
~ Pens” a Se ee 11 Preventive measures » - +++ +++ 22s 56
oie =. ag Re 22 Treatmentof disease .. - «+ +2 se ee 57
Watchtower, orlookout .... . = = PA MOCGIRGD Nc Web's oa. a" rata coe al, od ata eee 58
I ta wig ss de «ca «oe 30 | Fox shewi «eee ce se aoe Ce ae 59
|
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WASHINGTON .
GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE
1923
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PLATE I.
Bul. 1151, U. S. Dept. of Agriculture
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Washington, D. C. June 20, 1923
SILVER-FOX FARMING.
By FRANK G. ASHBROOK,
Assistant Biologist, Division of Economic Investigations,
Bureau of Biological Survey-
CONTENTS.
Page Page.
UO SUL 6 a Tis ae ee eae Se eee oe 1 | Essentials of breeding___________ z 32
b Wraeis 2. Silver fox 72. | 2 | Essentials of feeding_____________ 39
3 History of fox farming ______ 3 | General management_______ AD
ex oTowine areas 2 2 4 (iia oo on be en 52
Recommendations to beginners_ 6 Se ETE ETE 711 2 Se Ree ee eae oie nena a5
Selecting a ranch site iu. _=- + 6 Pisses Fee ee fe 5D
tee OPTI ZATION = 9 PARAS 3 ee a ee 56
\ epee fs et es 11 Preventive measures__________ 56
Ripe areokernnele 5 fie ot a Treatment of disease_________ 57
Watch tower, or lookout______ vals ten, tel SCE ST TW , © tee Set wae oe ne Se 58
‘ SS aon aeeeeet SUE iT hc ee ee ee See ie eee 59
INTRODUCTION.
_ Silver-fox farming has attracted wide attention, chiefly because
_ of the enormous profits derived from the sale of pelts and breeding
stock. As a fur animal propagated in captivity the silver fox has
no rival, and both live foxes and their pelts are in demand. Prob-
ably no other live-stock enterprise pays larger returns for the money
- invested, although erroneous statements regarding this industry
_ have been made that have misled the public as to its real status. In
-a majority of instances lack of authentic information concerning the
_ feeding, breeding, and management of silver foxes has led to mis-
statements, although many people have been misled purposely by
_ unscrupulous ranchers and organized companies. That such ranch-
_ ers and companies would use the silver fox as a medium to extract
- money from persons unfamiliar with the business was only to have
.
_ been expected, as such a condition is found in every enterprise; and
1JIn preparing the section on breeding the writer was assisted by E. W. Sheets, Acting
_ Chief, and Dr. Sewall Wright, of the Division of Animal Husbandry, Bureau of Animal
Industry ; and by Dr. G. M. Rommel, formerly chief of that division. In preparing the
section on diseases and parasites he was assisted by Dr. M. C. Hall, of the Bureau of
_ Animal Industry: and by Dr. K. B. Hanson and Dr. H. L. VanVolkenberg, of the Bureau
of Biological Survey.
Notre.—This bulletin supersedes Farmers’ Bulletin 795, The Domesticated Silver Fox,
31825°—23———-_1
2 BULLETIN 1151, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.
it has been quite common in the silver-fox industry, chiefly because
the business is new and profitable.
The production of silver foxes has proved to be most profitable
when conscientiously and intelligently managed. A silver-fox pelt
of high quality, taken in the wild, has always been and still is a very
‘rare article. A number of raw-fur buvers claim that pelts produced
on ranches are not popular with the fur trade because they are un-
_prime and lack the quality and finish of wild fur. That this is un-
true is shown by the fact that approximately 90 per cent of the
silver-fox pelts sold on the fur market to-day are from ranch-bred
foxes. During February, 1922, 2,375 silver-fox pelts from ranches
all over the United States and Canada were sold in London, and the
pelt which brought the top price of the market, $631.68, was from a
ranch-raised fox from the United States.
Raising silver foxes in captivity, unlike other live-stock enter-
prises, is an industry of too recent development to be supported by
extensive study and research. It is possible, however, to assist
beginners, as well as established ranchers, with information on some
of the various phases of the business, such as organizing the ranch,
feeding, breeding, management, pelting, sanitation, and the control
of diseases and parasites. Information in the following pages is
based on a study of methods and practices which have been found
to give the greatest satisfaction on ranches in the United States and
Canada, supplemented by observations and investigations on the
Biological Survey’s experimental fur farm at Keeseville, N. Y.
For other foxes raised on farms, such as the red, cross, and blue
foxes, the general principles of ranch construction and management
here set forth will be found applicable generally.
WHAT IS A SILVER FOX?
The name silver fox, as commonly used by furriers, includes the
dark phases of the ordinary red fox, variously called silver, silver-
gray, silver-black, or black (Pl. I). The color of the red fox of
the Northeastern States and of its allies of the colder parts of North
America varies from red to black, and these extremes, with the
gradations between them, form four more or less distinct phases,
known, respectively, as red, cross or patch, silver, and black.
The silver fox, therefore, is a color phase of the red fox. It is
dark all over, with silver hairs intermixed, but no red, and the tip
of the tail is generally, but not always, white.. The guard hairs
which give the silver appearance to the pelage are not entirely white,
but are black with a white band, and some guard hairs are entirely
black. Variation in guard hairs is shown in Figure 1.
In the red phase the coat is entirely rich fulvous; that is, tawny
or dull yellow with a mixture of gray and brown, excepting re-
stricted black markings on the feet and ears, a white area at the
end of the tail, and certain white-banded hairs on the back and
rump. From this phase to the next the black increases in extent
until in the typical cross fox the black predominates on the feet,
legs, and underparts, while fulvous overlying black covers most of
the head, shoulders, and back. A gradual increase of the black and
elimination of the fulvous or its replacement by white brings
the next phase, the silver fox, in which no fulvous appears, the entire
E
; SILVER-FOX FARMING. 3
_pelage being dark at the base and heavily or lightly overlaid with
the banded guard hairs previously described. Silver foxes vary
from almost entirely silver to those which are entirely black except
for a few white-banded guard hairs on the back and rump. Finally,
jn the black fox the white is absent from all parts except the tip of
the tail, which, as in all phases, is usually white.
In general, the cross fox is fairly common, the silver very scarce,
-and the pure black exceedingly rare. The prices usually paid for
_the different skins vary according to the relative scarcity of the
animals and the market demand. Red-fox skins command only a
-moderate price; cross foxes bring somewhat more; and silver foxes
several times as much. Black foxes are not so popular at present, for
the reason that dyers can so closely imitate them with a dyed red
_foxithat the average person can not tell the natural black fox from
-a dyed skin.
po
4
‘
3
se
SSS YNOER FUR ; (33)
‘ e
| Fic. 1—White bands on guard hairs of the silver fox. The extent of the band and
_ distance from the end is indicated, as well as the relative lengths of the guard hairs
’ and the under fur.
HISTORY OF FOX FARMING.
The early history of fox farming is fraught with frenzied finance,
. yreeding stock selling as high as $34,000 a pair and individual pelts
at $2.700. It reads like a romance. The operations of the breeders
were cloaked with secrecy, and the public was first skepticai, then
gullible.
__ Before the industry started silver foxes were caught occasionally
_by trappers in the far North and their furs shipped to London,
_where, because of their rarity and attractiveness, they brought excep-
tionally high prices—in fact, more than any other furs on the market.
_ Realizing the scarcity of silver foxes and the possibility of their
extermination, Charles Dalton, a trapper and fur trader of Prince
Edward Island, began in 1887 to experiment with the breeding of
red foxes, with the thought that he might be able to obtain crosses
or silvers through “throwbacks.” About this time he heard of a
trapper in the Province who had two pairs of silver foxes in cap-
tivity, and, purchasing these animals, he abandoned the raising of
the red foxes. Building a special farm at his home in Tignish, he
installed his purchases and devoted his entire time to his study.
- Meantime, unknown to Dalton, a like experiment was being carried
on by Robert Oulton, who was more fortunate, in that he obtained
eens of silver foxes at the start and devoted his time to these.
en Dalton heard of the new experiment he paid Oulton a visit,
4 BULLETIN 1151, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE,
and the meeting of these men resulted in the formation of a partner-
ship. Their first wire pen was built on Savage Island, where Oulton
owned a ranch. Dalton had definite ideas concerning the problems
involved and the most promising lines to follow in developing the
industry, but Oulton, the practical farmer and stockman, made suc-
cess possible because of his experience and natural ability in han-
dling live stock.
In the course of a few years stories concerning the wealth to be
obtained from the silver-fox business leaked out, and as the results
of these first experiments became known a fox-farming boom started.
Three sisters cleared $25,000 a year out of their venture. A small
party of clerks organized a company and made $40,000 in four years.
A pup was sold for $9,000. A consignment of 25 choice skins sent
to London brought $34,175, an average of $1,367 per skin, the top
prices for the choicest pelts being $2,700, $2,650, and $2,500.
Prior to 1910 people were working to establish an industry, but
when knowledge of Dalton’s great success became public the real
boom started. Expansion went ahead at a rapid pace, and the boom
lasted from 1910 to 1914. The demand for breeding stock brought
about the virtual suspension of pelt production for the time being.
No skins were placed on the market in-1911, excepting from foxes
too poor to be sold for breeding stock. The demand for stock was
so great that foxes were imported into Prince Edward Island from
nearly every Province in Canada. These were a mixture of every
variety of silver and cross fox, and, as their breeding was not known,
their offspring were nondescript. Nevertheless, they were used for
breeders and sold for fabulous prices. Illicit buying and selling of
foreign stock misrepresented by producers engaged in this practice
was very harmful to the industry, and the brown color now cropping
out on many ranches among supposedly pure silvers is undoubtedly
due to foxes of unknown breeding.
During the boom period ranches were started in New England and
in New York and the industry rapidly spread to other parts of the
country.
With the beginning of the World War in 1914 and the general
conditions resulting from the war the boom was killed and more
serious thinking began among the breeders engaged in the industry.
With the depression of the fur market in England in 1915 and the
sudden development of the fur trade in the United States, Canadian
ranchers” turned to this country for the marketing of their pelts.
The rapid rise and fall of the fur market caused ranchers to take a
different view of the business, and it has now come to be realized
that pelt value is the only safe basis on which to establish the in-
dustry.
FOX-GROWING AREAS OF NORTH AMERICA.
The natural habitat of the silver fox includes the greater part of
northern North America from the central United States northward
to and including the border of the treeless tundras. (Fig. 2.) The
red fox inhabits nearly all of this region, but animals of the silver
phase, although found in most parts of it, are very irregularly dis-
2The terms “rancher,” “ caretaker,” “attendant,” “breeder,” and ‘“ feeder” as used
in this bulletin refer to one and the same person, :
SILVER-FOX FARMING,
yY rare occur-
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ol
rence for one to be trapped in the wild, although they have been
in
is an exceed
In general, the silver fox is more common in northern
To-day it
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the peninsu
6 BULLETIN 1151, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE,
Among fur buyers it is well known that the pelts produced in
northern tocalities are the more valuable, and while their experience |
teaches that certain areas are not too far south to produce valuable
furs, their conclusions are only general. The average person can not
judge whether his own locality is suitable for fox farming, especially
if the wild fur animals have been exterminated there. It is neces-
sary, therefore, to ascertain definitely the areas within which foxes
are known to produce superior fur.
In general it may be said that silver foxes are being grown suc-
cessfully in practically every one of the northern tier of States from |
New England westward to Washington and Oregon, and in the
cooler parts of California, Colorado, Kansas, Iowa, Missouri, Ili- |
nois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Massachusetts.
Judging from figures that are as correct a representation as it is
possible to obtain under existing conditions in the United States,
it is estimated that in 1922 there were 500 ranchers raising silver
foxes; that there were between 12,000 and 15,000 foxes in captivity;
and that the value of the investment was about $8,000,000. This
information is based on replies to an official questionnaire sent out
annually to all known fur farmers in the United States. There may
be isolated ranches in contiguous territory, but owing to their failure
to reply to the questionnaire the Biological Survey has no record
of them.
RECOMMENDATIONS TO BEGINNERS IN THE INDUSTRY.
It is not wise for anyone unfamiliar with fox raising to start with
a large number of animals. Many troubles and obstacles arise, the
remedies for which can not yet be found in books, but must for the
present be learned through experience. A number of people who
started in this business on too large a scale, or who expanded too
rapidly, have made a failure of it. The better method is to start
with a few pairs of foxes and gradually increase the number as one’s
knowledge of care and management enlarges.
Quality, not quantity, is the factor that counts in breeding silver
foxes. On a small ranch the character, disposition, and breeding
of individual foxes can be studied intelligently, but this is difficult,
if not impossible, on a large ranch.
Stock should generally be obtained during the fall in order*that
the animals may become thoroughly accustomed to their new sur-
roundings before the breeding season. The weather is sufficiently
cool by the end of September to permit the shipment of foxes with
safety. |
SELECTING A RANCH SITE.
CLIMATE AND SHADE.
The production of a fine quality of fur is closely related to climate. —
A long, cold winter with a fair amount of rainfall, particularly in
spring, is conducive to the production of good fur. Hot summers —
are not detrimental if short and followed by a season of frosty —
weather, during which time the animals can renew their coats. t
It has been stated that excessive sunshine causes fox pelts to fade.
When the pelt of a fox is being shed the food supply to the fur is
. SILVER-FOX FARMING, 7
cut off; hence it is a natural condition for the hairs to die and be
shed, and sometimes dead hairs turn various shades of brown and
chocolate. During the season when the fox’s pelt is becoming prime
there will sometimes be found a chocolate tinge, commonly known
as rust. This, however, is not caused by sun bleaching, but is due
rather to inferior breeding stock, which has a tendency to throw
-rust-colored pelts instead of pelts of clear black in the underfur and
_ in that part of the guard hairs which is supposed to be raven black,
_ A happy medium of shade and sunshine is necessary for the com-
_ fort of the foxes as well as for the maintenance of their health.
_ Every animal likes to lie in the shade during extremely hot weather
. to escape the direct rays of the sun. Sunshine, on the other hand,
is the best natural disinfectant for keeping the dens, pens, and
_ grounds clean and sanitary.
When the fox industry was in its infancy most fox raisers thought
_ that dense shade on their ranches was absolutely necessary. At first
this was produced mainly by evergreens; later, a mixture of ever-
_ greens and hardwoods was employed. Fox ranchers are now learn-
_ ing the advantages of sunlight in keeping the pens sanitary and are
_ cutting out the evergreens and allowing only the hardwoods to stand.
- Pine needles are objectionable because they fall into the feed and
_ are consumed by foxes; they sometimes injure the intestines of pups
; and cause their death. An advantage in favor of hardwood trees
is the fact that in winter, after they have shed their leaves, they
allow the sun to shine into the pens.
SOIL.
“gan?” Fas A =
Silver foxes can be successfully raised on any type of soil that is
_ well drained and capable of producing reasonable shade, provided
- it is located in a section where there is a long, cold winter and a
fair amount of rainfall. ;
_ Successful ranches are to be found on rich heavy soil, clay soil,
_ light sandy soil, and on sandy soil where the main part of the surface
consists of outcroppings of rock and gravel. Any one of these, if
well drained, is adapted to fox ranching.
It has not been definitely determined that certain types of soil are
more favorable than others to the propagation of fox parasites.
Soils possessing an undue amount of moisture, however, and densely
shaded situations are favorable to the development of parasites.
The elements contained in the soil have no bearing on the kind
and quality of foxes produced. It has been stated that soil devoid
_ of lime is more favorable because it does not burn the pelt when the
fox burrows, but there is no foundation for this belief, as there is no
evidence that soil which will support vegetation contains enough
lime to burn fur.
LOCATION OF THE RANCH.
The latitude and climate having been determined, the next im-
portant consideration is the proper location for the ranch. It is
possible closely to approximate the conditions under which wild
foxes live, but this is by no means essential. In fact, it is somewhat
doubtful whether to-day this is even desirable.
3 BULLETIN 1151, U. 8S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.
Fox ranchers are now established in every conceivable place.
Some are to be found many miles from civilization, tucked away in
the woods, while others have established ranches in small towns or
near the larger cities. Some are found in dense forests, in apple
orchards, in wood lots (Fig. 3), in open fields, on gravelly slopes
B21674
Fig. 3.—Fox ranch in woodlot about 100 yards off the main road.
(Fig. 4), on steep sloping hills (Fig. 5), on islands, and on sandy
deserts. In any situation there are always ways of avoiding the
disturbances which might be caused by too many visitors, by ‘dogs,
or by undue noises during the breeding and whelping periods.
B21650
Fig. 4.—Fox ranch on a gravelly slope.
The ideal location probably is a reasonably level, well-drained
piece of land with a gentle slope to the south. “It is not intended to
convey the impression that foxes should be ranched only on such
land, for they are being raised successfully on rolling ground and
on hillsides. The productiveness of the soil is of little direct im-
ee ee eee
3 | SILVER-FOX FARMING, i)
Z portance. If the area does not include a few trees, however, they
oud be planted to provide shade in summer and to encourage a
feeling of seclusion and security in the animals. Construction will
be facilitated if there is a hardpan subsoil, as the walls of the pen
_ would not then need to extend below this to prevent the animals
- from burrowing under and escaping. /
In exaggerated advertising or publicity matter the fox farm is
usually described as occupying a lonely island or a vast inclosure of
wild land, and too often beginners are led to believe that such places
are essential. Islands have some advantages and apparently are
suited to the requirements of the silver fox, but their inaccessibility
makes it difficult to secure feed and supplies. While good roads
- facilitate the hauling of feed and supplies, they are of little im-
_ portance in the matter of marketing the pelts, for foxes differ in this
BISO7M
Fic. 5.—Fox ranch on a hillside.
respect from other classes of live stock. It is an advantage to locate
in a fox-raising community, in order to profit by the experiences of
others.
RANCH ORGANIZATION.
PLAN OF THE RANCH.
When the location of the land on which the ranch is to be con-
structed has been decided upon the area should be cleared of under-
brush. This is desirable, no matter on what type of soil the pens are
to be built. It is well, also, before the pens are staked out to remove
all stumps and sticks in order to eliminate the danger of pups or
older foxes running against or falling over such obstructions and
thus injuring themselves. The branches of the trees should be
trimmed from the trunks to a height above that of the fence line
so that the foxes can not crawl up and jump over the fence. -Trunk
shields should be nailed to the tree trunks at a height of 10 feet from
31825°—23-——_2
10 BULLETIN 1151, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.
-
the ground. The shields —
can be made of wire or
tin. Trimming branches
from the trees 10 to 12
feet up the trunk wiil
facilitate construction and
also the free movement
of air through the ranch,
and the branches will not
hamper the rancher in his
daily work.
Ranches vary in size
from 2 up to 100 or more
pens in a single layout.
It is advisable to have
a space of 2 feet between
the pens, for serious in-
juries will result if foxes
are separated by only a
single partition of wire
netting. Foxes climbing
Fic. 6.—Square plan of ranch, showing location of the wire have had feet,
Watch tower and the alferbate arrangement of Jes, and tails torn off by
the occupant of the neigh-
boring pen. Such accidents can be avoided only if the walls are
separated. “Another advantage of such construction is that it
will lessen the chances of dis-
ease spreading through an entire
ranch.
The space between rows of pens
should be at least 15 feet, in order
to permit a horse and wagon to
be driven through to haul neces-
sary materials. The advantages
derived from this arrangement
more than offset the additional cost.
The idea of enlarging or adding
to the ranch should be kept in
mind when making the original
layout. There are various methods
of laying out pens, such as are
shown in Figures 6, 7, and 8.
When arranged as nearly as pos-
sible in the form of a square the
expense of inclosing by a guard
fence is less than when the pens
are arranged in long rows. It is
false economy to build too many
pens on a small piece of land.
Pens of ample size are those con-
taining from 800 to 1,500 square
feet. Fic. 7.—Rectangular plan of ranch,
SUH UU UHL
JUUUUOUUUE
SILVER-FOX FARMING. ‘a
CONSTRUCTION OF PENS.
i is
\
= SIZE AND SHAPE.
_ There are almost as many styles of pens as there are fox ranches.
They range from very large ones to those so small as to endanger
the health of the foxes, both in the matter of sanitation and through
Jack of space for exercise.
_ The usual procedure has been to construct a pen the inside area
of which has been inclosed by one roll of wire of 150 linear feet.
od
. Ss
LOOKOUT HOUSE
“GF
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ASP
8
4
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Fic. 8,— Circular plan of ranch.
This has been done primarily for convenience, as it obviates the
necessity of cutting the rolls of wire and lacing the pieces together.
__. Conditions of topography may make it necessary to build pens
long and narrow instead of square, but the number of square feet
inclosed depends upon the shape of the pen. A 150-foot roll of wire
will inclose an area 50 by 25 feet (1,250 square feet), or one 30 by
45 feet (1,350 square feet), or one 37 by 37 feet (1,369 square feet).
The more nearly uniform are the lengths of the sides, or the more
nearly a pen approaches a circle, the more square feet can be inclosed
by a given length of wire. A circular pen, however, is very difficult
12 BULLETIN 1151, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.
to construct. The nearest practicable approach to it is one having
eight sides, a type now being used by some ranchers. The additional |
area inclosed in this type of pen is not its only advantage. The
principal advantage les in its widened corners, as this feature
minimizes the danger that foxes will crawl up the wire.
Many ranchers have built pens 50 by 25 feet with a partition
fence midway, making double pens 25 by 25. The advantage claimed
for this is that the adults can be separated during the period of
pregnancy and while the pups are very young. When the parents
and young are kept together, the pups can be fed in one pen and the
old foxes in the other.
CHUTES.
Small chutes constructed between pens permit the foxes to be
transferred from one to the other. “These should be not less than
10 inches high and 9 inches wide to
jl allow the fox to crawl through with-
Hout rubbing the pelt and injuring or
!
r
i Rey ee pulling out the guard hairs. It is not
advisable to allow the chute to remain
open, especially during the season
when the foxes are growing their new
ew ae
pl} coats, as constant running and jump-
ing through the chute wears the pelt.
Chutes can be closed by the use of a
slot and sliding door (Fig. 9). If
the distance between pen walis is not —
great, one sliding door can be con-
structed in the middle of the
chute.
A double pen construction assists in
- keeping the pens clean and sanitary,
ES .
(3) for after the foxes have occupied one
for some time, say four months, they
I'ic. 9.—Chute with sliding door for ‘ 1 7T ; 1
connecting yards. This can be com be removed to the neighboring
closed from’ either end by insert? pen and the old one thoroughly
ing door in slot. cleaned
c .
PEN WALLS.
The height of the pen wall may be 8, 9, or 10 feet. This is de-
termined largely by the snowfall in the locality. As a rule, in the
United States a wall 9 feet high is sufficient, and one 8 feet high will
answer very well in some sections unless deep snowdrifts are likely
to occur.
The walls should be sunk into the ground 2 feet, while at the top
18 inches or 2 feet should be allowed for an inward overhang to
prevent the animals from escaping. A strip of carpet wire some-
times extends on the surface of the ground inward from the wall
2 or 3 feet to prevent the foxes from digging out, as illustrated in
Figure 10. The sunken part may be turned in 1 foot or more and
flat stones laid at the end to prevent escape by digging. This
arrangement affords sufficient security, for experience has shown that
foxes try to escape by digging at the edge of the wire only. Where
; SILVER-FOX FARMING. 18
there is a solid hardpan 1, 2, or 3 feet below the surface the fence
may be laid directly on it. If the subsoil is light and open, the pens
are not fox-proof unless the fence extends down 3 feet. Some
ranchers take the additional precaution of digging a trench and
installing a concrete wall 2 feet below the surface with a 1-foot
underlay.
OVERHANG.
An inward overhang 18 inches or 2 feet wide prevents the fox
_ from escaping from his pen, but when he has scrambled up to an
overhang his only means of
“descent is by falling. Some- Beats
times valuable animals are seri- x ez
: ee :
_ ously injured in this way. To
_ prevent such accidents inter-
mediate overhangs have been
_ developed, as well as new types
of pens. Intermediate over-
hangs are sometimes con-
structed 5 feet from the ground.
as shown in Figure 11, or a
smooth zone is made by nail-
ing a strip of galvanized sheet
iron to the posts around the
entire pen at a height of 4 or
5 feet from the ground.
WIRE CARPETING.
=
On soil which is principally
sand, ranchers place an entire
carpet of wire a few inches to a
foot below the surface. When
_ this is done it is not necessary
to dig a ditch to plant the posts
and underground wire. The
_ post holes only should be dug,
the posts set in, and stones and
earth put in place. The whole
pen area should be excavated
ee Gepth of approximately 40M ee rine Tain on euitace Fe the one
to 6 inches. The wire netting entrance gate, and wire overhang.
should be cut and.put in place,
then laced together and to the sides of the pen. Hog rings are
handy to fasten the carpet wire to the walls. An easy method of lay-
ing carpet wire is to prepare a strip of land as wide as the roll of
wire to be used by shoveling the earth to one side. When this strip
is shoveled clean, 4 inches deep, lay in the wire and shovel the soil
back on it. Repeat the operation until the area is completely car-
. peted, as shown in Figure 12.
METHOD OF CONSTRUCTION.
To construct a pen, first stake it out and line it up with a cord.
Dig a trench 30 inches deep and wide enough to permit the free use
14 BULLETIN 1151, U. 8. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.
of a shovel. Care should be taken in digging this trench to keep
the inside edge square and on the line laid out by the cord. Place —
30-inch, 2-inch mesh, 14-gauge wire in the trench, so that the upper
surface comes to the level of the ground. Lay the wire close to the
inside of the trench. If desirable, the trench may be dug wider, in
order to lace an 18-inch underlay of wire to the 30-inch wire at the—
bottom of the trench.
Set the posts in the trench so that the outside of the post comes
flush or nearly flush with the inside of the trench. This helps to keep —
the wire straight -
regular.
‘Above the 30- inch
roll of wire use a 4-
foot width of 13-inch |
mesh, 15-gauge wire.
Wire of 2-inch mesh
should not be used
here, because young
pups may crawl
through it or hang
themselves; $-inch
mesh or less i is pref-
erable.
Above this 4-foot —
roll use a 5-foot roli —
of 2-inch mesh, 16-—
gauge wire, which =
completes the height
of a 9-foot pen wall.
Rolls of 6-foot and
3-foot wire could be-
used, but it is more
difficult to manipu-
late wire 6 feet wide
in stretching. Two
rolls of 4-foot wire
een a acne ee ett At
are provided on the yard fence, one of which (5 feet cided that 8 feet is
Re id atin IRIGRY EeOe cued rence tat a enough for the
wa
After the ground wire is placed in position stones can be packed ~
closely ar ound the posts and the trench filled with earth. Great care
should be exercised to see that the posts are kept in line, especially —
when the ground is tamped solidly around them.’ (See Fig. 13.)
A band of 1-inch boards 4 to 5 inches in width should be nailed
to the posts around the entire pen. The upper edge of the board —
should come flush with the top of the posts at the required height,
as shown in Figure 13. This serves to stay the posts and furnishes —
the support to which the top wire may be stapled, as well as the out- —
side of the overhang. It also gives a finished appearance to the pens. —
Brace boards should also be nailed to the top of the posts inside to
furnish a place upon which a roll of 18-inch, 16-gauge, 2-inch-mesh
wire can be placed to form the overhang.
1s na sharaetenaalll Rete Mretrd bee eae
SILVER-FOX FARMING, 15
The wall wire should be laced neatly together with lacing wire
made for this purpose. Great care should be exercised in stretching
the wire before it is permanently stapled to the posts. If it is not
stretched tightly enough it will sag, thus making a very shiftless-
looking job.
B21668
Fic. 12.—Carpet wire laid and laced in position ready for covering with 4 inches of soil,
pile of which is in background.
DOOR.
After the wire is laced, stretched, and stapled and the overhang
is in place, a door should be constructed. (Fig. 14.) This may be
made by placing a 2 by 4 timber the required distance from one of
B21666
Fic. 13.—Pens in course of construction, showing posts lined up and ready for the wire.
the posts. One end of this should be placed on the ground and the
other should extend to the top of the wall, where it should be nailed
to the top board to make it rigid. The rigidity is increased by
stapling the wire to it.
The door may be made as large as desired, but 2 by 4 feet is gen-
erally sufficient, unless dens are to be removed from the fox yards.
OO
—
16 BULLETIN 1151,.U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.
In localities where there is an exceedingly heavy snowfall it may —
be well to have the bottom of the door 15 inches above the ground.
The board frame should be made of the size required, and the wire
cut from the opening may be stapled to the frame to complete the
door. Good hinges should be provided and the door hung to a post,
which may be made square, if not already so, by nailing a 2 by 4
strip to it.
B21675
Fic, 14.—Front of completed pen, showing stretched and laced wire and door construction.
BILL OF MATERIAL.
The following material is necessary to construct a pen 37 by 37
feet, with a 9-foot wall extending 3 feet into the ground and a 24-inch
overhang and underlay:
20 posts, each 13 feet long and from 5 to 8 inches in diameter.
150 linear feet of 11-inch board, 5 inches wide.
150 linear feet of 24-inch wire netting for overhang, 2-inch mesh, No. 16
gauge.
150 linear feet fence wire, 5 feet. wide, 2-inch mesh, No. 16 gauge.
150 linear feet fence wire, 4 feet wide, 14-inch mesh, No. 15 gauge.
150 linear feet ground wire. 23 or 8 feet wide, 2-inch mesh, No. 14 gauge.
150 linear feet of carpet wire, 380 inches wide, 2-inch mesh, No. 14 gauge.
Spikes, nails, staples, hinges, hasps, snaps, No. 16 or 18 soft lacing
wire, and extra lumber for doors will also be needed. Hog rings,
No. 12 gauge wire, are often used in place of lacing wire. Mesh wire,
No. 15 gauge, will do very well for the pen valls, but No. 14 gauge,
being heavier, makes a more durable wall. Woven wire, galvanized
after weaving, 1s recommended because it is stronger at the joints, a @]
‘place where strength is most needed. -It-has the further advantage
of lasting longer under ground.
CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION.
Some pens are constructed ‘with iron posts and the foundation
is of concrete.? Although the initial cost.is-much more than in those
’See Concreté Construction on~Live Stock Farms, Farmers’ Bulletin 481.
SILVER-FOX FARMING, 7
just described, the pens are more durable. (See Fig. 11.) In some
ranches the floors of the pens are of concrete. This makes it much
easier to keep them clean and sanitary, but it is yet to be determined
whether foxes will do as well living on a concrete as on a dirt floor.
Square as well as rectangular pens with wooden posts have been
‘set on concrete foundations, the walls of which are 4 inches wide at
the top and set into the ground 3 feet, with an underlay of approxi-
mately 1 foot.
NEW TYPES OF PENS.
B1908M
The square pen and the
rectangular pen have been in
use ever since fox ranching
was started. Both these types
seem to have been very satis-
factory, but a great disadvan-
tage has been that it is very
difficult to prevent foxes from
climbing the wire. Foxes
climb wire fences readily, but
only when badly frightened.
(Fig. 15.)
OCTAGONAL PEN.
In a pen of the octagonal
type the maximum practicable
area can be inclosed within a
certain length of wire. The
top of the pen may be covered
with wire if desired, and then
the height of the walls need be
only 7 feet, a center pole being
used to support the roofing.
The plan shown in Figure 16 :
is suitable for 100 feet of wire ““Giimb” suck corners readily when frightened,
for the walls around the pen. ae frequently are badly injured in falling
. yack to the ground.
A pen of any size can be
made in the same manner. A 2 by 4 strip running from post to
post is necessary when the pen is covered over the top, to prevent
the wire from drawing in the side boards between the posts. A
coil-spring wire supports the wire netting, running under it from
the wall posts to the center post.
PENS WITH SLANTING SIDES.
The walls of the pens in some new ranches are built slanting
inward, at an angle of about 20°. This is for the purpose of pre-
venting foxes from climbing the wire. Some have walls 7, 8, or 9
feet high, with an overhang similar to that recommended for pens
with straight walls, while others, as in Figure 17, have walls 7 or 8
feet high and the entire top covered with wire.
31825°—23——_3
18 BULLETIN 1151, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.
CRATE PENS.
A crate pen is easily and cheaply constructed and meets most
requirements. One in which to house a pair of foxes is usually 40
feet long, 12 feet wide, and 6 feet high. A frame made of 2 by 4
NO.2 COLL
SING HIRE 5PRING WIRE.
NO. 2 COL
SPRING WIRE
LXE" ON SIDE
OF POSTS
30° O- —— es a a
ZO PLAN EW
CENTER £0. 10 C"LONG
Cc ¥ FEE — ¥
SSS ee SSS SS SSS ES
L'D/ 7.
GROUND 9
r ZINE \
ae b SHWE OTA - : - oh
SOS UNG WU LU ll Il WII Ul kl
US ue kK ~SLINUSSTUS CS TUN SSS USI)
SS ys SS SS KG
<< pA “ip “Ue BA
SIDE ELEVATION (63)
ig, 16.—Plan of octagonal pen.
lumber is entirely covered with No. 16-gauge 14-inch mesh wire. In
the front is a door 2 feet wide and 4 feet high, the frame constructed
of 2 by 4 lumber. This pen or crate rests on the surface of the
ground. It is not usual to cover the netting on the bottom with
soil. (See Fig. 18.)
!
SILVER-FOX FARMING. 19
HOSPITAL AND TEMPORARY PENS.
Although quarters for constant occupancy should be roomy, those
for temporary tse, such as are required for male foxes, pups, injured,
B21672
Fic. 17.—Pens with slanting sides and wire top built on concrete base. Wall may be
sunk into the ground as in other pens if desired, instead of using concrete base.
sick, or newly purchased foxes, may be comparatively small. Suit-
able pens should be constructed for male foxes, preferably some dis-
BI9s8M
Fig, 18.—An entire ranch of crate pens.
tance from the breeding pens, but within the guard fence. The style
and method of construction will depend upon the location and lay
20 BULLETIN 1151, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.
of the land. (Fig. 19.) A satisfactory arrangement is to build a
long, low shed with board partitions dividing it into compartments
7 feet high, 7 feet wide, and 11 feet long. ‘These dimensions can be
varied if desired, although it is not advisable to reduce them. The
front and back are of wire netting, preferably 14-inch mesh, No. 15
gauge.
a
8
LEAR ELEVATION. :
Fic. 20.—Details of construction of exercising crate.
into the slush and mud that might chill them or even result in their
contracting pneumonia. Feed can be placed in it, thus facilitating
the feeding of the mother and pups during the lactation period.
This crate is easily and cheaply constructed, the floor elevated 9
inches above the ground. The uprights and braces are of 2 by
4 material, and the outside dimensions are 5 feet long, 3 feet wide.
and 24 feet high. The floor and roof are of tongue-and-grooyve
boards of any convenient width. The door may be either of wire
or of wood. The wire surrounding the crate is 24-inch mesh, No.
15 gauge. The den and exercising crate should be connected by a
chute 4 feet long, 10 inches high, and 9 inches wide (Fig. 21). Two
sliding doors are inserted in the chute, so that the foxes can be shut
‘In or out of the den or exercising crate as desired.
3 4“ Vixen’ is the name given to the female fox; “dog” to the male.
22 BULLETIN 1151, U. S: DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.
DENS OR KENNELS.
Dens or kennels are built mainly for the purpose of sheltering the
foxes and furnishing a place for the vixen to whelp her young.
They are built some distance off the ground to prevent foxes from
digging under them and to furnish shade, and should be so con-
structed as to protect the occupants from extremes of heat and cold,
to exclude moisture, and to deaden sound. These features are par-
ticularly important during the breeding and whelping periods, when
foxes are usually nervous and when the pups can not stand exposure.
Fresh air should be obtained by ventilation (see Figs. 23, 31, 32, and
33) rather than by providing more cubic feet of air space than is
required, but it is extremely important to avoid the creation of
drafts. As the dens and nest boxes require frequent cleaning and
spraying to keep them free from vermin, the construction should be
as simple as possible. The convenience of the caretaker is a matter
that is to be kept in mind as well as the comfort of the foxes.
i
RRM
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erate
reocone
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SY
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ore",
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52525
52529
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"es
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eteren
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ote
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SLES
Limetereree
S |
Fig. 21.—Connection between den and exercising crate.
The walls, floor, and roof are generally double boarded with build-
ing or tarred paper between the boards. All rough edges that a fox —
might rub against should be smoothed and sandpapered, to prevent
injury to the pelt.
The roof of the den is generally covered with tarred paper, shin-
gles, or metal. This is not necessary if it is to be double and made
of tongue-and-groove boards. It is well, however, to give it two
coats of paint or to creosote the boards. Creosoted boards, however,
will not take paint.®
Chutes through which the foxes enter the den from the yard
should be so constructed that they can be hooked to the den and
easily removed. They should have a slight rather than a steep
grade, so that the pups can crawl back into the den. In every type
of den the back and roof should be made on hinges to afford access
to the interior without unnecessary noise and to facilitate cleaning.
DOUBLE-BOX DEN.
The double-box type of den has been found very satisfactory, as
it facilitates catching the foxes for inspection and provides a con-
venient place for starting the pups on feed. It consists of two
5 See Use of Paint on the Farm. Farmers’ Bulletin 474.
SILVER-FOX FARMING. 93
boxes, with hinged sloping tops, set about 18 inches apart and on
legs 18 inches high, as shown in Figure 22. The two are connected by
a chute 9 inches wide and 10 inches high, the entrance from the
ground being into the smaller box through a sloping chute 4 or 5
feet long. Each chute is fitted with a slot and sliding door, and
both should be so constructed as to be easily hooked in place or taken
off when the dens are to be moved or cleaned. When it is desired
to look at a fox in the larger den, the caretaker closes the door in
the connecting chute and then lifts the hinged roof. By closing both
doors inspection may be similarly made in the smaller box, which
is used chiefly as a feeding place for the young and as a place in
which to separate them from the parents.
The walls of both dens are double and lined with building paper.
The outside base measurements of the larger should be 4 or 5 feet
by 24 or 3 feet, and of the smaller 3 by 15 feet. The front of the
larger should be 2 feet high and the back 14 feet, while in the
smaller these heights should be 14 feet and 14 inches, respectively.
The larger den is partitioned so that a room is made in the far end for
-anest chamber for the
use of the vixen and
her young at whelp-
ing time. The nest
box is of dressed
lumber, 18 inches
long, 15 inches wide,
and 15 inches high,
and is also provided
with a hinged lid. A
chamfered strip is Fie. 22.—Double-box den.
fitted against the floor
and sides to prevent the pups from rolling too far away from the
mother, and is an aid also in cleaning the nest box. The spaces be-
- tween the wall of the nest box and the main wall of the large den
are filled with dry sawdust, oat hulls, ground cork, or other suitable
material.
DEN WITH REMOVABLE NEST BOX.
A most convenient den from the standpoint of the caretaker, and
one very simple to construct, is made with a removable nest box.
This box is fastened in temporarily in the front part of the den by
a board fitted in slots in the sides, in order to prevent the foxes from
moving it about, thus causing accidents to the vixen or to the pups.
The detailed construction is shown in Figure 23. The outside base
measurements are 4 by 14 feet, the front is 24 feet high, and the rear 2
feet. It is double walled and lined with building paper. A chute,
_ 9 by 10 inches, that can be hooked to the den and removed whenever
necessary, leads from the entrance to the ground, as shown in
Figure 22.
DOUBLE-COMPARTMENT DEN.
A very simple and useful den is constructed in two compartments
and entered from the outside by separate chutes, as in Figure 24.
It is 4 feet long, 2 feet wide, and 2 feet high (oatside measurements),
double walled, with building or tarred paper between the walls.
24 . BULLETIN 1151, U..S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.
Each compartment or nest box is 20 inches square, the inside con- |
struction being of the same general character as that described for
the double-box den. The chutes are 9 by 10 inches by 4 feet, and the
opening into the chute is on one side, to prevent direct drafts. The
top or roof of the kennel is hinged. In Figure 25 is illustrated a
double-compartment den with one chute entrance.
BARREL DEN.
The barrel den shown in Figures 26 to 29 is still in common use,
more as a shelter for the foxes, however, than as a whelping nest.
In ranches where there are two dens, or kennels, in a single fox pen
be. —_¢'/»____ ______
TOP FLAN LILY
== :
cassesaasasrwrwrresrrere reese,
. 2
Nd Z
Z
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a
hos
i
)
N
:
;
Nj
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NJ
N
:
N
N
S/DE ELEVATION HORIZONTAL SECTIONAL WIEW
Fig. 23.—Practical den with removable nest box.
one is generally of this construction, It is made of a clean barrel
placed inside a protecting box, the space between the two being filled
with oat hulls or other materials, the best material to be used depend-
ing largely on what is most easily obtainable. An entrance hole,
9 by 10 inches, is made in one end of the barrel, and a similar open-
ing in the upper side for inspection, cleaning, and ventilation. The
barrel should have a smooth interior. 1 pint.
Meat: 48 tsp. t 8 ounces..... 12 ounces... 12 ounces
‘BISCHILSS. =e Soe 1d OUNCES. F2)..o Fo eee one aoe
oo GS POLI Gen a eee E : ounces. ?. : 3 ounces. 1
MGS: ee So Beha ce ee a
1 Dry weight.
When the pups are about 4 weeks old the vixen begins to carry
meat to them, and it is therefore advisable to eliminate meat from
the ration at this time, feeding only cereals, vegetables, and milk.
SILVER-FOX FARMING, 45
- Rations composed of such feed make the feces very bulky, and to
counteract this cod-liver oil and eggs may be added.
Breeders differ in opinion as to whether pups should be sepa-
rated from the mother at a certain age or be allowed to wean them-
| selves. After the young reach the age of 8 weeks both they and
their mother can be handled to better advantage if fed separately.
Size and development determine the weaning age.
The pups’ feed should be varied as much as possible; that is, it
should not be restricted to one cereal or one kind of meat. Beef
should form a large part of the ration, as this in itself is a fairly well
balanced feed. Bone meal, fish meal, and edible tankage should be
added to insure a supply of lime. Limewater is of no value to offset
a deficiency of lime in the ration, but in counteracting acidity of the
stomach is an aid to digestion. Freshly formed clabber is a good
feed for young pups once or twice a week.
The rations shown in Table 4 have been used successfully on the
Canadian Experimental Fox Ranch at Hull, Quebec, as reported
by Mr. Smith, the pups raised on this feed showing no sign of
rickets and maintaining uniform growth and developing good fur.
Taste 4.—Suggested rations for pups up to the age of 5 months.
Amount per pup, at the age of—
Kind of feed.
2 24 3 4 5
months. | months. | months. | months... months.
10 ae pint 2 4 3 z | 4
Cereals, |
cooked !.ounces 1 13 13 Adal 2
Bread —.- =.=: do... 1 1 | Pee esaascr Beoenose
Meat, ground.do... 1 At ee ee ON bri Bn eae
WDE" Re Re CS oa eae ee 4 6 8
Fat or oil..... Os ral Sees es ean eee see 4 1 1
Be --/a-~5 2-0. 1 2 2 4 | 2 3
1 Dry weight.
VIXENS EATING THEIR YOUNG. aes
Cannibalism among foxes is not natural, and the vixen’s desire
-to destroy her young may result from any of a number of causes.
If constipated, she becomes feverish and develops an abnormal appe-
tite, and in this condition may eat her pups. ‘To prevent this, laxa-
tive feeds, as cod-liver oil, eggs, liver, oil meal, and biscuits, should
-be fed during pregnancy. Undue excitement or injury during preg-
nancy may also influence destruction of the young. Some breeders
have advocated the feeding of salt pork and salt fish to eliminate this
tendency, but this is not always successful. It is not advisable to
‘destroy a valuable vixen because she eats her first litter, but in. case
she continues. the practice with subsequent litters her pelt should
_be taken during the prime season. |
GENERAL MANAGEMENT.
Successful fox farming requires good management in the organiza-
- tion of the ranch, selection of stock, feeding, and breeding, combined
46 BULLETIN 1151, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.
with an intimate knowledge of the characteristics and behavior of
the fox in captivity.
THE RANCHER.
Many of the failures in fox ranching may be attributed directly
to carelessness and negligence on the part of the rancher. Foxes
will not do well under shiftless management, and a caretaker who
has no interest in the welfare of his foxes need not expect success.
The rancher should handle his breeding foxes in a manner to insure
the highest percentage of increase and should be willing to sit up —
part of the night watching their actions. One who walks through the
ranch without the keen perception to detect a sick fox is by no
means the right type of caretaker, and one who sees the sick fox
but does not care for it at once is even worse. A rancher who likes ©
to be away from his foxes as much as possible has not the thrift and
B21647
Fig. 40.—Foxes appreciate kindness and respond to good treatment on the part of the
keeper.
welfare of the ranch at heart, and a caretaker who is not disturbed
over the loss of a pup should no longer have charge of a ranch.
One who is not careful to avoid feeding moldy or spoiled feed of any
kind is not a true rancher. He must not share the opinion of some
men that foxes need little or no water, but must supply them with
fresh, pure water every day, for foxes require water just as much
as any other animal. If he allows them to drink old, stagnant water,
he runs the risk of having them infested with all sorts of parasites.
If a rancher fits foxes and goes into the show ring simply to be
there among other ranchers and is not possessed of a strong desire
to win the best prizes offered, he had better stay at home and save
time and money. :
A good faithful rancher looks to every detail of his work and
has his mind and heart with his foxes at all times. He leaves noth-
ing undone to promote the thrift and welfare of each individual
fox. He likes to talk with successful ranchers about foxes, and
tries to learn about improved methods of handling and manage-—
“a
i
d
}
0 tp Satoh me es
een sake ee oe
hee (eit tien eases pal went 2
Diae SS oe
aad
seers ed ater ale ee tae
(Reon Wet
A oeereeh tee itt
SILVER-FOX FARMING, AY
ment. (Fig. 40.) The readiness with which his foxes accommo-
date themselves to a life of captivity depends greatly upon his atti-
tude toward them.
BEHAVIOR OF FOXES IN CAPTIVITY.
Before one can intelligently handle foxes he must know something
concerning their behavior. He must study them at every oppor-
tunity, whether performing his duties on the ranch or observing foxes
from the watch tower. As previously stated, the instant a fox
becomes aware that it is observed it changes its behavior entirely.
I’oxes are naturally active at night but quiet during the day, re-
maining in the den, curled up on top of the den, or in some shady,
secluded spot. ‘They are inquisitive, and their desire to see every-
thing that is going on around them leads them to select advan-
tageous positions for the purpose. (Fig. 41.) Moving objects inter-
Fig. 41.—On the lookout. Under proper Management foxes soon display a lively
interest in their surroundings.
est them keenly, and birds or mammals entering their pens fall
quick prey to their alertness. Asa rule they live peaceably together,
but their treacherous disposition becomes apparent when they can
take a mate or a neighbor at a disadvantage.
The natural instinct of foxes to burrow in the soil seems to be ex-
aggerated in some individuals, and when suddenly frightened they
try to escape in this way or by climbing the walls of the pen.
Excitability is one of the most troublesome traits of foxes, al-
though it is believed that too much stress has been placed on this.
It is not intended to convey the idea that they do not need quiet
or that unnecessary causes of excitement should not be avoided; on
the contrary, the breeder should take advantage of every occasion
to allay their suspicions and gain their confidence. As a rule foxes
are suspicious of strangers and on the approach of a newcomer
frequently sound a warning call and run to cover. On some ranches
this is not the case, and it is believed that lack of fear is due largely
to the method of handling and feeding. It is an established fact
48 BULLETIN 1151, U. §. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.
that the number of pups whelped and raised to maturity on ranches
where the policy is followed of leaving the foxes to themselves as
much as possible is far less than the number raised by ranchers
who handle the foxes with the same good judgment used in man-
aging domestic stock. |
Foxes, like other animals, possess a variety of dispositions and
temperaments. No two pairs are exactly alike, and each pair should
receive individual consideration. To study their 'traits and pecu-
liarities should be one of the primary objects of the caretaker, and
his success is determined largely by the use of his wisdom against
the gunning of the foxes.
THE BREEDING SEASON.
Before the foxes have been selected for mating and placed in their
respective pens, the yards should be thoroughly cleaned, the dens
scrubbed with hot water and soap,and sprayed with disinfectant or
burned out with a blow torch, and the nest boxes cleaned and put
in place. Foxes usually prefer no bedding material, but on some
ranches have become accustomed to straw.
As the breeding season approaches, the foxes should be kept as_
quiet as possible and, as a rule, strangers should not be allowed to
enter the ranch, although this ‘precaution may be left to the judgment
of the caretaker. : ;
A shy fox may never appear at feeding time, hence the mate will
gobble up all the feed. Where this occurs feed for the shy fox should |
be placed inside the den. When one is a bully and drives the other
away. from the feed, it will be necessary to separate th€ containers
as widely as possible. It is well for the keeper to jhhaWe ‘d call and
to talk to the foxes at feeding time, so that. they will become accus-
tomed to him. All matings observed.should be recorded, and it is ©
desirable that the rancher spend a large portion of his time in the
watch tower getting this information. :
After the foxes have been seen to breed the dog should be sepa- |
~rated as soon as possible and placed in the quarters built for the
purpose. While a dog may be as devoted to the pups as is the vixen, ©
the care he may give the young is more. than counterbalanced by
the harm he may do to his mate. Dogs have a tendency to injure
the pups by carrying them in and out of the dens, and often kill
them by fighting. The separation of the dog and vixen eliminates —
the possibility of loss from these causes.
PREGNANCY.
Special care and attention should be given the vixen during the
.period of pregnancy. Undue excitement on the ranch during the
advanced stages may cause abortion (premature birth), especially
among the very nervous and excitable vixens. It may be well to
mention again that the feed should be of a soft nature and should —
contain nothing constipating. In the case of a shy vixen that will
not leave the den to eat, the feed should be placed in the outside
chamber of the den. This will enable her to eat before the feed
freezes and will also accustom her to the presence of the caretaker
every day. The caretaker, however, should make sure that the vixen
SILVER-FOX FARMING. 49
is really shy and is not lying in the den because she is overfed and too
sluggish to come out. If the latter is the case, feed should not be
iven until she appears hungry. If vixens are properly handled
‘and fed during this period there should be no trouble during
| whelping.
WHELPING.
-~ On account of the many disadvantages connected with the prac-
tice, it is rare indeed that a vixen is permitted to follow her natural
instinct to whelp her litter in a hole which she digs in the ground.
Aside from the fact that this fosters a wild trait which it is one
of the objects of domestication to modify, it frequently endangers
the lives of the pups, for if the soil is not well drained a heavy rain
may result in drowning them. Another disadvantage is the difficulty
of digging out the
vixen and pups if
for any reason it be-
comes necessary to
treat them. Success
with this method of
whelping is the result
of good luck, not
good management.
During the entire
whelping period the
vixen should be un-
disturbed. The pen
should be entered
only to give her feed
and water or for some
other absolutely Fic, 42.—The cat may be used as a foster mother in emer-
necessary reason. gencies, but she must be free from parasites.
BI994M
.
LACTATION.
After the pups are whelped the feed should be increased gradually.
Methods have been fully described under “ Feeding.” The use of
the double-box den simplifies matters considerably at this time. The
feed can be placed in the outer box, and when the caretaker hears
the vixen leave the den to feed he can lift the cover of the other box
to examine the litter and remove any dead pups. No bad results will
occur if the keeper is careful.
Vixens, especially young ones, sometimes fail to produce enough
milk to nourish the pups. If such is the case, or if the vixen dies, a
cat may be used as foster mother, but this practice should be followed
only in an emergency. (Fig. 42.) The rancher should be sure that
the cat is free from parasites before she is so used.
WEANING.
When the pups are about 8 weeks old they should be taken from
the mother and placed in new, clean quarters. There has been a
pron drain on the mother’s system during lactation, and this gives
_ her a chance to recuperate. Another reason for this separation is
50 BULLETIN 1151, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.
to prevent a tendency on the part of the pups to become wild, caused
by a nervous excitable vixen, for at the least provocation such a
mother sounds a warning call and the pups scamper into the den,
sometimes injuring themselves in their haste.
Separation from the mother also facilitates the proper feeding of
the young. Twice a day is often enough to feed them. In the case
of backward pups a little cow’s milk can be given as a noon feed.
Those showing a disinclination to eat and failing to grow should be
removed to another pen and placed under observation to determine
the cause. Careful feeding is very essential to the satisfactory de-
velopment of the pups. More pups can be raised to maturity if
weaned and fed separately than if permitted to remain with the
mother (see Fig. 39, p. 42).
HANDLING.
It is believed by many ranchers that the only time foxes should
be handled is when they appear to be injured or diseased. As a
matter of fact, they should be handled much more frequently. Final
judgment on a mating shouid not be based on superficial observa-
tion. The foxes should be handled and examined closely to deter-
mine their general make-
up and the quality of their
fur. As many points as —
practicable should be ob-
served during one exami-
nation. For instance, the
ears should be inspected
for mange mites, and the —
Fic, 43.—Diagram showing operations of fox tongs. back of the ears and fore
and hind flanks, which are ~
tender portions of the fox’s body, for parasites. It is usually neces-
sary to handle the foxes frequently late in summer and early in fall
for the purpose of exhibiting to prospective buyers the quality of the
animals on the ranch as well as the color and quality of fur. There
was a time when foxes could be sold without close examination, but
the buyer of to-day is able to exercise more discrimination and insists
upon knowing what he is purchasing. |
Although few expert ranchers use gloves when handling foxes, it
is well for the beginner to do so. He should also use tongs in cap-
turing the animals, such as those illustrated in Figure 43.
When the caretaker enters the pen for the purpose of catching a
fox, the animals invariably run into the den. He then lowers the
slide of the chute, thus shutting them in, and slightly raises the
cover of the den to permit the insertion of the tongs. The fox is
grasped around the neck, and then, the tongs being held with one —
hand and the hind legs and tail of the fox with the other, the exami--
nation can be made.
When it is desired to transfer a fox from one pen to another, or to
remove it temporarily for treatment, a small handling box, such as
shown in Figure 44, may be used. This is ‘made of 1-inch material
32 inches long, 8 inches wide, and 9 inches high. The top board is -
hinged and fine-mesh wire nailed to the box under the cover to per-
: SILVER-FOX FARMING. 51
mit examination. At one end is a slide door and at the other a
hinged wire door provided with a hook-and-eye fastening. The top
cover may be held down by a bolt and lock or by a snap and hinge,
_as illustrated in the figure. A strap handle is attached to the cover -
_ for convenience in carrying.
TRANSPORTING.
Foxes in good condition can be shipped almost any distance, but
if the journey is long or the shipment large it will be well to have
-an attendant go along to feed and care for them. Foxes can go with-
out feed for two or three days with no apparent ill effects. In transit
they have a tendency to lose their appetites, and should be fed care-
fully, although fresh water should always be supplied. Small pieces
of meat, preferably liver or beef, and fox biscuit may be given.
_ It is not advisable to place more than one fox in a compartment
of a shipping crate. A crate containing two compartments, each
B21653
|
; Fic. 44.—Convenient transfer box for handling foxes; it is made of 1-inch boards and
may be 32 inches long, 8 inches wide, and 9 inches high.
_ 2 feet high and having a floor space of approximately 2 by 3 feet,
_is large enough to carry a pair of foxes. It should be made of
wood, with the exception of the door, which should be of wire.
Some ranchers entirely cover the crate with wire to prevent escape
of the animals. In the front of each compartment dishes for feed
and water should be fastened where they can be filled from the
— outside.
_ CULLING.
Every fall before the breeding season begins the old foxes as well
as the pups should be carefully culled and the best ones retained to
improve the stock. This is necessary to maintain the quality of the
_ foxes on the ranch, old, unserviceable animals being replaced by
2 young, vigorous stock. The following classes should be culled:
Yixens that have not proved to be profitable producers, old foxes
_ that have served their term of usefulness, samson foxes (see p. 33),
_ and foxes carrying pelts that are tinged or otherwise inferior.
ee ee
52 ‘BULLETIN 1151, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.
The final judgment of the caretaker as to which foxes are to.
retained should be based on the records kept of the performance of
individual animals. A ranch owner who inspects the foxes only at
intervals is apt to judge the animals on the basis of appearance
rather than performance, and for this reason selection of the foxes
to be retained should be left entirely to the resident caretaker, who
has had opportunity to study the indiv iduals and to become familiar
with the characteristics of each.
The foxes to be disposed of should be separated and fed sufficiently
to maintain good health. The pelts of fat foxes, however, lack sheen.
and finish because of the tendency of the animals to lie around and
not take sufficient exercise. In order to improve the quality of the
fur it is a good plan to shut the foxes out of their pens on cold days”
in winter, not, however, during wet or inclement weather.
PELTING.
The business of fox raising is based on pelt value. Many of the
most successful ranch owners follow the practice of killing some
foxes every year and marketing the pelts. These are naturally
the culls—that is, the old foxes that have served their period of use-
fulness, nonproducers, and those that have been injured through |
accident. -
It is not a good practice to pelt pups, as their skins lack finish in
the fur as well as in the leather. Genaonalls a pup skin of excep-
tional development sells for a good price, but this is not the rule. It
is better for the rancher to carry the young over until they are a
year and a half old or older and the pelt has developed into a more
marketable skin.
PRIMENESS.
Pelts of foxes become prime in November, December, January,
and February, depending upon the season, climate, and feeding.
In the United States the majority of pelts become prime in December
and January, with a few in February, the exact time varying with
the individual. Primeness is the highest quality of perfection i in a
pelt; when the pelt shows quality “and finish, determined by its
texture and sheen, it is said to be prime.
Ability to judge primeness comes only through experience. When
the fur is coming prime it does so rapidly, and after it reaches the
peak of perfection it soon becomes overprime,. losing its sheen and
finish. It therefore behooves the rancher to watch “closely day by
day each individual set aside for pelting.
It is better to take the pelt just before it is prime than to take the
chance of delaying until it is overprime. This is one of the periods
when frequent handling i 1s necessary. .
KILLING.
- In killing a fox the method generally pursued is as follows: The
eehal 3 is caught with the tongs, taken to the killing shed, and laid on
its side. The caretaker then places his foot on its chest and crushes
out the life. This practice his been followed because it does not
injure the pelt. Striking the fox on the back of the head with a club
leaves a blood clot on the pelt and sometimes cuts it. |
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8 15 = Eee eee C. W. PUGSLEY.
Hirector of -Sctentific- Werk. 3222 HH, D. Bass.
Director of Regulatory Work_——. = _. ————_.
Wetther Burret] eee ee eae CHARLES F, MaRvIn, Chief.
Bureau of Agricultural Economics________. Henry C. TAytor, Chief.
Bureau of Animal lndtsirg. = = JOHN R. MOHLER, Chief.
Bureau of Plant Indisiry > 2s WILLIAM A. TAyLor, Chief.
Forest Service_.2 > = ee eee W. B. GREELEY, Chief.
Bureos of: Chenistry_ eee ee WALTER G. CAMPBELL, Acting Chie
Butesy Of SOs. 3 Ss ee Ae eee MILTON WHITNEY, Chief.
Buretaof Fintomowgys. = ss ee L. O. Howarp, Chief.
Burcau of Biological Survey__--.-_______-- E. W. NEtson, Chief.
Bureou-of: Public: Roads. 2a eee THOMAS H. MACDONALD, Chief. —
Fixed Nitrogen Research Laboratory___.__. F. G. Corrrety, Director.
Division of Accounts and Dishursements___. A. ZAPPoNE, Chief.
Division of -Publications._< 2. > =) EDWIN C. PoWELL, Acting Chief.
TACT ORR es ee a eS CLARIBEL R. BARNETT, Librarian.
Siates Relaitons Service. — = = A. C. TRUE, Director.
Federal Horticultural Boards 2 _-~- =~ C. L. Mariatr, Chairman.
Insecticide and Fungicide Board__________. J. K. Haywoop, Chairman.
Packers and Stockyards Administration____- eae Morri.1, Assistant to th
Grain Future Trading Act Administration___ Secretary. ;
Onice uy the -Soucstor = = oan Ae R. W. WrriaMs, Solicitor.
This bulletin is a contribution from
Bureau of Biological Survey_____--~~-- E. W. NEtson, Biologist and Chief.
Division of Economic Investigations. A. K. FISHER, in Charge.
60
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PURCHASER AGREES NOT TO RESELL OR DISTRIBUTE THIS
COPY FOR PROFIT.—PUB. RES. 57, APPROVED MAY 11, 1922
V