[Farming minks--possibilities for more adequate husbandry within the current circumstances].
The keeping of minks in farms is widely disputed. As the present article illustrates, improvement in the management of farm minks can be achieved with relatively little effort. By implementing connecting openings between regular cages the area for living can easily be enlarged, moreover the structure of the cages will be improved. This resides in minks living in groups intensifying their social contacts. Analyses by "Het Spelderholt", Praktijkonderzoek Pluimverhouderij, Beekbergen, Netherlands show that behavioural problems can be significantly reduced by raising minks in adequate groups. Also the interior design and structure of cages is of equivalent importance reducing the occurrence of behavioural problems. The importance of an access to a water basin however has still to be investigated. One striking aspect on the subject of hygiene that has to be pointed out is the regular removal of faeces.
Landeck
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A
Ministerium für Umwelt und Naturschutz, Landwirtschaft und Verbraucherschutz, Schwannstr. 3, 40476 Düsseldorf.
Demel
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W
D000822:Animal Husbandry / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000379:methods; D000827:Animal Welfare; D000818:Animals; D006799:Housing, Animal; D006920:Hygiene; D008907:Mink / Q000502:physiology / Q000523:psychology; D012037:Refuse Disposal; D012919:Social Behavior; D014867:Water
D014867:Water