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Inconsistent hyphenation and spelling in the original document have
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FUR FARMING
FOR PROFIT
With Especial Reference to Skunk Raising
[Illustration: Skunk]
Price $1.00
The LAYMON FUR FARM CO., Spencer, Ind.
LIVE
MINK
WANTED
ALSO MINK PELTS
GINSENG YELLOWROOT ETC.
Highest market price
paid for A1 Live Mink and
Mink fur. Write your dealer for
quotations, then write us. We
pay express charges and remit
same day goods are received.
WILLIAM WEDDLE
SPENCER, IND.
FUR FARMING
FOR PROFIT
With Especial Reference
to Skunk Raising
By
H. B. Laymon
Proprietor of the Laymon Skunk Farm
1913
The Laymon Fur Farm Co.
Spencer, Indiana
Copyrighted 1913
By
H. B. LAYMON
PRESS OF THE EPITOMIST PUB. CO.
SPENCER, INDIANA
CONTENTS.
page
Introduction 5
Frontispiece 8
Chapter I 9
General Character of the Skunk--Skunk a Clean Animal--
Grading.
Chapter II 19
Fur Farming--Supply and Demand--Opinions--A Bright
Future for Fur Farmers.
Chapter III 26
Enclosures--Dens--Food--Care--Breeding.
Chapter IV 39
Trapping--Skinning--Shipping--How to Handle Skunk
without Being Scented.
Chapter V 51
Habits of the Skunk--Breeding--Size of Litters--Ideas
of Trappers and Farmers.
Chapter VI 58
Miscellaneous Information--Removing the Scent Sacs--
Laws Relating to Skunk Raising--Dye Markings--How
to Ship Live Skunk.
Chapter VII 72
Questions and Answers on Many Subjects.
[Illustration: Breeding Range, Constructed of Galvanized Iron.]
INTRODUCTION.
"I came from a family of hunters and farmers." This reminds me of a
quaint saying I heard when I was a boy. We were talking about hogs at
the time. A young girl overhearing our conversation, remonstrated with
us because we appeared to have some of the habits of hogs wrong. We
asked her how she knew we were wrong in our diagnosis of the hog? And
she answered:
"Well, I guess I ought to know, I was brought up among hogs, lived among
them all my life!"
This is my case exactly, I have been brought up among skunk. I have made
a study of skunk, and I think I know skunk. I know this much well:
Years ago the thought struck me that there ought to be money in raising
skunk for fur and breeding purposes. To prove the right or wrong of
this, I started to raise skunk. I captured a female and her litter,
later got a star buck, and with this beginning I have succeeded in
establishing one of the largest and most successful skunk farms in
America, and I am proud of it.
I do not mean to imply by this that I think I know "it all" about skunk.
Far be it from that. But what I know has been learned by diligent study
and the best of all "practical experience." My farm was not a success
from the start. It took a few years for me to learn the "how of things,"
but I am glad to say that things are looking bright for yours truly. I
firmly believe a few years more will see me independently rich, and from
an old piece of land which would be practically worthless for any other
use.
My motive for writing this book is to benefit my fellow man. Hundreds of
people have written me for information about skunk. It would be
impossible for me to courteously answer one-tenth the mail I get in a
personal way. It struck me, inasmuch as there was no book on the market
devoted to the skunk that by compiling this information in readable form
I would be accomplishing a certain amount of good.
I feel this, too, if I had had the help in the first place--the
information contained in this book--I would be worth twice as much more
and saved myself years of trouble and much financial loss. I was the
pioneer, and was blazing the way for others to make success.
To all those who are desirous of trying the raising of fur-bearers for
profit we say: read this book carefully--study it,--and then if you feel
that you can make it a paying business, make a small enclosure and try a
half dozen animals. By the end of a year or two, you will know whether
you are going to like it; whether you can make a success of it or not,
and will have acquired a lot of very necessary knowledge regarding the
animals, that could not have been obtained in any other way. You will
know then whether to go ahead or not, and if the former, you will also
know how.
While the U. S. Government is actively engaged in raising elk, buffalo,
deer and other animals including fur-bearers, few bulletins are issued
which give any direct valuable information on skunk. Government
officials (the kid-glove kind) stick up their nose at the lowly skunk,
and without reason. The skunk is a clean animal, easily domesticated,
and known to be one of the most valuable animals to have around the
farm. Only recently has this been thoroughly demonstrated. Such
information as could be obtained from government sources has been
incorporated in this book.
I have had no hesitancy in utilizing the information from other sources
also. Chief among them has been the Hunter-Trader-Trapper Magazine
published by A. R. Harding Pub. Co., of Columbus, Ohio, also his book on
"Fur Farming" and such catalogues and guides as Andersch Bros. and
others fur firms issue to their trade.
I differ with them when experience has taught me that my way of raising
skunk is easier or more profitable, and I agree with them on many
general principles. I have incorporated in this book also the experience
of many other farmers and trappers. I have found many helpful hints in
their letters which have been very valuable to me. And for what
knowledge I have gained from them, I hereby acknowledge my indebtedness.
"May they live long and prosper."
H. B. LAYMON.
Spencer, Ind., July 10, 1913.
[Illustration: Laymon Handling an "Unaltered" Skunk.]
CHAPTER I.
General Character of The Skunk.
The skunk is a little understood animal. By this we mean, that ordinary
people, other than naturalists or scientists, little understand the
habits and value of skunk. By some the skunk is classed as a reptile or
varmint, and on account of its odor, is detested. Other animals throw
scent, notably the mink and muskrat, of course not to the extent that
the skunk does.
It is on account of this scent, that skunks are detested. We have
animals on our farm which have never thrown a grain. And are yet in
their wild state. They do not easily become frightened, hence have no
use for their means of protection. That's the only time they use it, and
seldom when fighting among themselves.
To make a success out of anything, it is admitted one must know the
thing. To be a successful farmer one must know what to raise and how. So
with raising of skunk, one must understand skunk, just as one
understands horses, cows, sheep or poultry. And skunk, when properly
understood can be raised in captivity at a great profit. 500,000 skins
were shipped to London last year, besides the skins which were used here
in domestic manufacture.
It is surprising to note the change in conditions, due largely to the
enlightenment of the rural population to the benefits of the skunk, also
to the rapid increase and value of their pelts. Many skunk farms are in
existence, the owners making a business of raising these animals for
their pelts. While this may be a queer business, nevertheless it is
perfectly legitimate, and as far as known, profitable. A ready sale of
the pelts is to be had, and the skins from these domesticated animals
generally bring higher average prices, being well handled and killed at
a time when the fur is at its best. The domestic animal like cultivated
fruits, are larger and in every way more valuable than the wild animal.
The skunk is found in nearly all the states and territories of the Union
and climate and geographical conditions are responsible for the great
variation in size and color of its pelage. There are very few
fur-bearing animals as plentiful, and especially in the civilized
sections, that bring such a handsome income to the farmer as does the
skunk. As noted, the chief difference in character, besides the size of
the animal itself, lies in the color of its fur.
The body is 16 to 22 inches long, its tail from root to farthest point
of fur, 12 to 16 inches, the latter being covered with hair, the color
of which varies, depending upon the color of the fur on the body. For
instance, the fur on the tail of a black or short striped skunk is black
or nearly all black, (first grade) while that of the broad or narrow
striped skunk is interspersed with black and white hairs. While the skin
of the animal is very valuable, the tail is rarely used, though
manufacturers of late years have consumed the hair in the manufacture of
brushes and similar purposes. The legs are short and close to the body,
the paw is naked and the five toes on each foot are closely grown
together like that of the badger. The foot is well adapted to digging,
but they dig very little in the tame state. The toes are not webbed; the
head is small, with short, rounded ears and rather long, projecting
nose, with two small piercing eyes.
The Skunk a Clean Animal.
The skunk in general appearance is always neat and clean, and in walking
seemingly takes special pride, like the peacock, as when promenading,
its tail is erect and its back peculiarly curved. Very few animals are
as harmless as this creature and were it not for the peculiar odor which
it distributes when in danger, it would be more hunted and probably
eradicated in sections. Its principal weapon, as heretofore noted, is a
peculiar secretion and fluid possessing a very disagreeable odor. This
fluid is of a pale yellow color and is discharged by the animal when in
danger, in thin-like streams and with such accuracy and aim as to strike
any object within 6 to 12 feet. The fluid is secreted in two annal
glands from which by the contraction of the sub-caudal muscles and by
uplifting of the tail it is discharged in the form as stated above.
These sacs are now removed with very little trouble by farmers, and
without endangering the fur or breeding qualities of the animal, or
ill-effect to the operator.
The removal of the scent sac has a tendency to increase the size of the
animal ultimately. We believe, too, that it requires less food to
sustain life, consequently it is considered a profitable operation to
perform. It is certain that the altered animal becomes more easily
domesticated.
Learn to remove the scent sacs and thus avoid all complaints of
neighbors and any personal inconvenience. If you learn to do this you
can sell your striped skunks for pets or curiosities and in this way get
good prices though the skins would be of small value.
The animal is carnivorous, nocturnal, not entirely terrestrial, as
occasionally he is known to climb trees, perhaps not of choice but
rather compulsion, being forced to this fancied secure position by the
hunter or his dog. Consequently his arboreal, like his amphibious
habits, are rather undeserved credentials. The theory that the animal
climbs the trees in search of food and birds, is discredited. The animal
is beneficial in many ways to the farmer, and his eradication from any
farming community should be prevented, and laws prohibiting the wanton
destruction encouraged.
The contrast in size of the animal and the important variation in the
color of its pelage, due to climatic and geographical differences,
cannot be denied. The breeding and inter-breeding of the different
colored furred species is the principal explanation why the young of a
litter are so much unlike in color. The color usually dominates to the
black. It is proven that 50% of the young of a white female will breed
blacks if the male is black. To breed stars, the male and female should
be all black, if possible. 90% of such young will be black, and it is
possible to raise to maturity 90% of such litters. It is our experience
that the female at rutting time will cohabit with more than one male
like a dog or rather like a cat which it more generally resembles.
The predominating color of the fur of all species is black and white
with the exception of the Texas skunk, which due to a peculiar soil, is
of reddish cast. Some of the animals have a clear coat of fur, others
are all black excepting a small white star, but the majority have two
stripes, some terminating at the center of body, on others the stripe
continuing from the forehead over the body, terminating at the tail.
This carnivorous and nocturnal animal is unlike most every other animal
possessing these habits. He can be seen in the early morning returning
to his haunts, and once in a while in the middle of the day; at no time
is he in a hurry, or will he discommode himself by getting out of your
sight or especially away from your path. His mode of locomotion is slow,
and rarely will he be found away from his haunt a greater distance than
one or two miles. His abode is usually in a hollow log, under some old
barn or granary, or in a hole on the sunny side of some hill. He enjoys
a sun bath, probably more than does the bear or the badger. His meal is
made up by free consumption of worms, bugs, grasshoppers, mice, birds
and eggs. In some sections he is known to be quite a vegetarian,
consuming as he does, roots, berries, vegetables, and fruits.
Occasionally frequents the hen-roost, not only for eggs, but for the hen
as well. The young like bread and milk, while we feed the old hominy
hearts mixed with water and milk.
The animal passes the winter season in a state of incomplete
hibernation, and at regular intervals he will arise, come out of his
abode and expose his body to the sun, and judging from the effluvium,
empty its distended pouches, but the stench thus caused, soon ceases,
which is not the case when it is spurted under irritation or in
self-defense. Dr. Coues states "that the animal uses this secretion in
the relation of its perpetuation of the species, though overshadowed by
its exaggeration into a powerfully effective means of preservation of
the individual, is evidently the same as in other species of Mustelidae,
each one of which has its own emanation to bring the sexes together, not
only by simply indicating their whereabouts, but by serving as a
positive attraction."
In the case of the skunk, it would seem that the strong scent has
actually tended to result in a more gregarious mode of life than is
usual in this family of mammals; and it is certain, at any rate, that
the occupancy by one animal of a permanent winter abode serves to
attract others to the same retreat. Burrows are sometimes found to
contain as many as a dozen individuals, not members of one family, but
various adult animals drawn together. One other effect of the possession
of such unique powers is seen not so much in mode of life as in the
actual disposition of the creature. Its heedless familarity, its
temerity in pushing into places which other animals instinctively avoid
as dangerous, and its indisposition to seek safety by hasty retreat, are
evident results of its confidence in the extraordinary means of defense
with which it is provided.
In the domesticated state they do not use the scent only under extreme
agitation. Dogs create this excitement, man seldom, even when handling
them. When held by the tail, they are really unable to throw the scent.
The White Skunk.
The animal that has a clear, white-furred pelt is very sparingly found,
in fact so seldom, that many consider it a freak of nature and not a
distinct species.
Personally we do not find it pays to raise white skunk, save as pets, or
the females for breeding purposes. We dispose of them before they have
become an expense to us. It is the wise man who can judge when to kill
and when to keep.
The Black Skunk.
The animal that has a black coat of fur is found in many states, those
of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Eastern
Canada, are better furred, and in consequence command better prices than
those coming from the central states. The black skunk is also found in
Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Arkansas, Virginia, North Carolina and
South Carolina, in fact in every locality excepting in the northwestern
states, also northwestern parts of Canada. The animal cohabits with the
other species, and there is no apparent rule governing the breeding and
inter-breeding and the probable coloration of the offspring. Somewhat
disregarding the color of the parents, the litter contains black, white,
short, narrow and broad striped youngsters. But 90% will "take after"
full black parents. If you use Star bucks you can reasonably expect Star
stock. The fur of the black skunk, especially the eastern variety, is
soft, wavy, and of a deep lustrous black. Those animals that have only a
small white furred star at the forehead are commercially called "black
skunk."
Great care should be taken in selecting the male breeders to avoid
in-breeding. A skunk matures, or its fur becomes prime and salable in
six months. The female brings forth young in a year. The life of a skunk
is from five to seven years.
Short Striped Skunk.
This animal inhabits the same section as the black skunk, the only
difference between them is that the small white star of the former
develops into prongs or two distinct white-furred stripes, starting at
the forehead and terminating at or about the shoulders or center of
body. Quite often the forehead is entirely covered with white fur, and
immediately beginning at the top of head the white hair continues in two
prongs, each varying in width from three-eighths to three-fourths of an
inch. Should the white stripes continue clear across the body and
terminate at the nail, such skins cannot be classed as short striped but
are known as long, narrow or broad stripe.
Short striped skins are second in value, the price being about one-third
less than that of the black skins. The white stripes are of no value to
the manufacturer, and for that reason the skin that has the greatest
amount of black fur is worth more and the value lessened by the increase
of the white stripe. The fur of the tail is black with intermingled
white hairs. The disagreeable odor is removed by the dresser (tanner)
and by the time the skin reaches the manufacturer, it is cleansed from
all impurities and ready to be made into garments.
Narrow Striped Skunk.
This animal inhabits nearly every state and territory of the Union and
greater part of Canada, and is the true American skunk. His coat of fur
is black, excepting two white stripes beginning at the forehead and
terminating at the tail. The width of these stripes varies somewhat,
depending upon the size of the animal, usually three-eighths to
three-fourths of an inch. There is always a goodly portion of black fur
between these stripes. The white stripes are narrow and close together,
but widen apart at center of back, and again narrowing when close to the
root of tail. The largest animals of the skunk family come under the
long or narrow striped species.
Broad Striped Skunk.
This animal is found in common with the previous species, and its
difference is only in the width of the white stripe which is wider, and
the quantity of black fur on the skin is lessened, thereby diminishing
the value of the skin. There is no apparent iron-clad rule, or a
dividing line between, or just where and when a skin should be called
broad stripe and not a narrow striped skin. This naturally must be left
largely to the judgment and discretion of the buyer or the manufacturer,
who, in grading, seeks an average more than any particular dividing
line. The tail is covered with hairs with occasionally interspersed
black hairs.
One Striped Skunk.
This animal has a long, horizontal white stripe extending from forehead,
continuing over the body, terminating at root of the tail; the latter is
covered with white fur and is probably more bushy in proportion to its
size, than the other northwestern species. The skin is of no great
value. The fur is rather coarse and the skins undesirable.
From the above description it will be noted that the value of the pelt
lies principally in the quantity of black fur; diminishing by the
increase of white and increasing by the lessening of the white fur.
It may be of interest to note that skunk fur after it is manufactured is
not sold as "skunk," but is a good substitute for many different kinds
of fur which has a higher value placed upon it.
Of late years the white stripes that are cut out of the skins are being
used in the manufacture of spurious tails which are dyed to imitate the
natural tail of mink, marten, etc. At other times these white pieces are
sold in connection with other fur scraps or cuttings to hat
manufacturers. Only those skins that are prime in leather and full
furred, command good prices.