Currently, few people can be surprised at such pets as a ferret. He is cute, funny and playful. It gets along well with its owners and other pets living in the house. But is this the only furry animal that can get along with people in the same territory? Not at all. Mink is an animal that can compete with ferrets. But do not forget that this beast, albeit cute, but still wild. What should one be prepared for when bringing mink to the house? How will she behave with her masters, children and other animals? All these questions are best studied before the animal appears in the house and in your family.
American black mink - an animal with beautiful fur and a cool temper
Currently, the most common American mink. Of course, most people associate it with a fur hat or a fur coat. But what do we know about this furry animal? The birthplace of this species of mink is North America, this is already clear from its name. But with the active help from the human side, she had long migrated to Europe first, and then settled throughout North Asia. At first, she lived exclusively on fur farms. But the mink is a very cunning beast, so it is not surprising that it has long left their borders. Now she independently lives on the shores of water bodies. What does a mink look like? The animal is predatory. She is distinguished by dexterity, strength and agility. Few can compete with her. Her body is wedge-shaped, her head is flat, her ears are small, and her eyes are like sparkling black beads. Her fur is thick and smooth. American mink can grow in length by more than 50 cm. It weighs about 1.5 kg. In nature, this furry animal almost always settles along the banks of rivers and lakes. Choosing a place to live, she is likely to pay attention to areas with fallen trees and protruding roots. There, she will certainly find herself a safe haven.
American Mink - Pet
If your house has a mink, then most likely it is American. Finding out this is not difficult. This species has a white spot only on the lower lip. Her closest relative of the European mink may have a light breast. She has a white spot on both lips. In addition, the European mink is smaller in size. But in general, we can say that all representatives of the marten are very similar in appearance to each other. But American women have better fur. Therefore, in the early 30s of the 20th century, it was they who began to be imported in large quantities and bred in fur farms. But so that these obstinate little animals do not attack people and die from severe stress (and they have a very weak heart), the breeders began to conduct careful breeding work. As a result of this, these cute furry creatures have become less nervous and aggressive. Their temper softened, but to the end they never became home. In connection with this feature of them, they must be wary and deliberately brought into the house. Hastily, relying on emotions alone, this is not worth doing.
Is it worth it to start a mink in the apartment?
Mink is not a simple animal. It is impossible to compare her with a cat or dog. She will not humbly walk on a leash and resort to the very first call. Behind the "shoulders" of this fur-bearing animal there is no centuries-old history of peaceful cohabitation with humans. We can say that as a pet, the mink is just beginning to be mastered and there is still a lot of wild in it. It is for this reason that before you bring it into the house and make it a part of the family, think carefully and weigh everything. If you do not have much experience with animals, it is better to get a ferret first. This animal is much more sociable and easier to get along with a person. Ferrets are more tame and very affectionate, moreover, these scammers will not make their masters bored. Mink is not such a "bully" animal. It is bigger, heavier and not so easy to climb. But do not hope that the mink will, like a fluffy imposing cat, wallow on pillows or a sofa. This will not happen. A wildly curious little mink tirelessly explores the world around him. Of course, this will be accompanied by destruction and damage to property.
Features of the relationship between mink and man
Mink is an aggressive animal, so you need to immediately understand that this is not a pet that can be squeezed in your hands. It can not be grabbed, pressed to the chest and heated for hours. Mink does not tolerate such an appeal to himself. Of course, each animal is individual. And there are fluffy animals behaving like a tender cat, but there are such very rarely. Basically, they do not bear human grip and hugs. Minks do not need affection. They are very good without her. There is one more problem that the owner of a furry pet may face. Mink is wary of strangers and cannot stand it when they perform manipulations incomprehensible to her. Therefore, going to the appointment with the veterinarian, be prepared for the fact that your beast can bite you and "ring". Her anal glands are capable of emitting such aromas that even a skunk would envy. So angry mink is not necessary.
Mink and small children
It's no secret that often the first initiators of the acquisition of fur animals are children. But is mink safe for them? The description of the animal quite accurately makes it clear that children should be kept away from it. It is especially not recommended to mink in a house where there are very young children. A few careless movements on their part can provoke aggression in the animal. So it’s not worth the risk. But if the children are already adults and understand perfectly well that it is impossible to touch and hug the mink, then there will be no problems. In this case, the animal will not offend anyone.
Does the mink love its owners?
Of course, it cannot be argued that the mink does not love its master. This is not entirely true. She loves, but not everyone. Mink is a moody animal, therefore, it selects one person and shows him its affection. All other such privileges are decided. Moreover, her love is in no way connected with self-interest. It is not necessary that she becomes attached to the one who feeds and cares for her. In general, it is best to take this animal into the house very small. The best age is one and a half months. Then there is every chance to accustom her to affection and tenderness. It can be stroked and even scratched on the tummy. Perhaps she will love to sit on the lap of the owners, but she still will not allow grabbing herself and holding herself in her arms.
Mink character and learning ability
So, how to behave if a mink has already appeared in your family? An animal at home will behave as in the wild. Therefore, reconcile that she will tear your curtains and tear the earth in pots. But the mink is a smart and smart animal. She is easily trained. Most of these fur-bearing animals quickly understand why the tray is where their bowl is. They eagerly respond to their name. In addition, the mink understands when scolded or praised. This pet will quickly learn the phrase "no" or "leave." But you need to train a mink from an early age. And do it softly and gently. She needs to be persuaded. She will remember any punishment for a long time. The mink has a great memory. If she was driven out by a broom, she would break it. Hit with a rag, she will tear it apart. And if you hit your hand, then revenge will be long and painful. At the first opportunity, she will yell into her teeth and will do so constantly. So, teaching the mink norms of behavior, be patient.
How does a mink behave on a walk
Minks love walking. They can be taken to parks or to the countryside outside the city. But there is one nuance that must be taken into account. These furry pets hate collars. But this problem has a solution. It is necessary to train a mink to a collar and a leash from a young age. When the animal understands that the leash means a walk, it will become more polite to behave. Therefore, it is necessary for the animal to quickly develop such an association. If everything is done methodically and patiently, then after a week or two she will stop yelling and resisting when putting a collar on her. The mink will quickly realize that walking is a pleasure, after which walking on a leash will be a joy.
The relationship of mink and other pets
Mink likes to walk, but on the street it is better not to let her go far. This is a very cautious, but at the same time curious animal. At the sight of dogs, the mink, having fluffed up the coat, will rush to the owners for help. She does not like and is wary of unfamiliar animals. But this does not apply to those pets with whom she lives in the same house. Perhaps not find another animal that looks like a mink. This pet, fearing strangers, simply adores dogs living with him under one roof. Mink willingly plays with them. True, these games are a little rude. They look like a fight. Therefore, cats prefer to stay away. But there are practically no conflicts with them. The cat will simply get away from the obsessive mink. Therefore, it is not worth worrying about how the new pet will behave with other animals. Minks love toys. Especially those that rustle or squeak. She will spend hours with them. It happens that she takes her toys with her everywhere, even to her crib.
