Crenosoma vulpis or lungworm is common in the United States. Symptoms include coughing and respiratory distress. Lungworm can lead to death. Diagnosis can be determined in post-mortum or necropsy exam. Larvae are excreted in the feces and become infective after one week. Frequent removal of feces and clean living conditions will break the cycle.
Lungworm is treated with a standard dewormer such as Ivomec.
Updated 8/16/12 by Hugh Hildebrandt DVM, Medford Veterinary Clinic.
Breeding/whelping pens in a fox yard in the winter
Site
Fox farms should be situated on ground where adequate drainage can be maintained and carefully situated to take account of local environmental conditions. The possibility of subsequent development of the farm should be considered.
- Slightly sloping land with good natural drainage and minimal risk of flooding form the ideal site for a fox farm. Safe and efficient disposal of effluent is vital in preventing unpleasant conditions, i.e., pollution of neighboring streams or rivers, adjacent properties, etc.
- A supply of clean water is necessary for watering systems, as well as for cleanliness in the feed preparation areas.
- Electricity is in almost all cases essential to power the range of equipment and machinery used on the modern fox farm.
- Fox farms should be located with regard to availability and convenience of sources of feed supplies.
- The fox farm site needs a suitable access road.
- It is advisable to locate farms away from noisy environments such as quarry blasting, flight paths or low-flying aircraft. Any buffer zone separating the animal cage areas from surrounding activities is very helpful to the welfare of the animal.
- A perimeter fence of approximately six feet in height should enclose the fox yard. Mesh size of two inches by four inches is suitable, and should be buried at the base, about six to seven inches. It is also recommended that the top twelve to eighteen inches of the perimeter fence be inclined into the yard to prevent climbing.
Sheds
Any building erected to house fox must permit clean, airy, hygienic conditions, and at the same time afford protection from the elements.There are almost as many furring shed designs as there are fox ranchers, therefore it is recommended that the rancher visit several ranches or farms and inspect their designs for adaptation to his needs.
- Sheds may be erected specifically to house stock kept for breeding or pelting, or for a combination of both.
- Sheds can be constructed to hold any number of rows, provided air quality and management standards are met.
- Fox should be kept in housing or sheds that will give them adequate protection from the elements.
- Roofing can be constructed from a number of materials including galvanized metal, corrugated iron or aluminum sheeting.
- Consideration should be given to the direction of construction of sheds to afford maximum adaptability to the site location.
- Paths or passageways between rows of pens should allow sufficient space to operate feed carts and automatic feeders, and to allow access for cleaning.
- Adequate drainage for the disposal of effluent from the feed preparation areas is essential if feed is prepared on the farm.
- Good working conditions allow for more efficient care of the animal.
Pens
Fox pens must provide sufficient area for the animals to exercise, to defecate and, in the case of breeding pens, to rear young. A nesting area must be incorporated in breeding pens in which the fox can rest and sleep comfortably.
- Pens should be durably constructed to keep the fox in the enclosure. Pens should be of sufficient height to allow the feces to fall to the ground beneath and subsequently to allow easy cleaning of manure. An arbitrary height of thirty (30) inches above ground level has proven workable.
- Cages should be of sufficient size to promote the general welfare of the animal. It is recommended that furring pens have a floor area of not less than six and a half (6.5) square feet and a height of not less than two (2) feet. Breeder pens should have a floor area of not less than eight (8) square feet and a height of not less than two (2) feet with an external nest box to house one female and her young. If a breeder pen is used to house an adult pair of fox, the breeder pen should have a floor area of not less than fourteen (14) square feet and a height of not less than two (2) feet.
- The breeding pen should be suitable to house one mother and her litter until weaning, and then the young fox until separated.
- All pens should have suitable access for the farmer to easily catch and inspect the fox. The bottoms of the cages may be constructed of one inch by one and one-half inch (1″ x 1.5″) or one inch by one inch (1″ x 1″) galvanized, or vinyl coated wire mesh. This will permit most of the droppings to fall to the ground and the young will quickly learn to walk on this size without their feet slipping through.
- In every pen, a water tray, trough, bowl, or automatic nipple must be available so as to permit easy access by the fox, and inspection and cleaning as required.
- Recent studies have also indicated that digging plates placed on cage floor and cage wall are beneficial for foxes. Learn more about the welfare implications of digging substrates for foxes in captivity.
Nest Boxes
- Each breeding/whelping pen requires a sound, weather-proof nest box. Again, there are many designs for such boxes and the rancher should investigate these in order to find the design that best fits his and his animals’ needs.
- A suitable warm, dry nest sufficient to house the fox should be attached or incorporated into every breeding/whelping pen. it should be designed to permit easy cleaning and inspection, along with the addition of nesting material.
- Nesting boxes should be designed to provide sufficient space for the whelping vixen to bear her young, keep them warm, dry, and comfortable.
- Special care should be taken to avoid projections into the nesting area which could cause the fox suffering, discomfort, or injury.
- Just prior to whelping, nesting material suitable for warmth, and dryness should be provided within the nest box.
- For purposes of sanitation it is advisable to keep feces out of the nest box to the maximum practicable degree. Clean and change bedding as soon as the off-spring become large enough to move about. This could be within two weeks of birth.
U.S. Fox Shipper’s Council And North Central Fox Producers. Standard Guidelines for the Operation of Fox Farms in the United States, 2006. USFSC and NCFP.
Final judging of all variations of silver fox at the 2011 USFSC Pelt Show.
Object
The object of the Corporation is to supply information on education, research, and the market, to United States fox ranchers in order to improve the quality and awareness of the American fox industry and to work alongside North American Fur Auctions.
The Corporation shall be carried on without pecuniary gain to its members. Any profits or other benefits shall be used to promote its mission.
Membership
Qualifications. Any person, firm or corporation engaged in the production of ranched fox or ranched fox pelt and who markets those fox pelts through North American Fur Auctions is entitled to become a member of this Corporation.
Resignation. Any member may withdraw from the Corporation after fulfilling all obligations to it by giving written notice of such intention to the Secretary, which notice shall be presented to the Officers by the Secretary at the first meeting after its receipt.
Nutrition
The fox producer should study the general nutritional requirements of the fox and ensure that he can obtain the ingredients to fulfill them.
- Nutritional advice is available, and producers should seek assistance in acquiring this knowledge from all available sources.
- Analysis of the mixed ration, when needed, should be obtained from a qualified laboratory equipped for such purposes.
- Complete dry foods should be stored and fed according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Care should be taken to ensure that these feeds are suitable for fox and that the health of the fox is maintained at all times.
Feed Preparation
When the fox producer is dealing with fresh and frozen animal by-products which can deteriorate rapidly, he must insure that collection, storage, and preparation are carried out under sanitary conditions.
- Containers used for collection of animal by-products should be dripproof.
- Containers should be thoroughly washed after each collection.
- Animal by-product should be stored under refrigeration or other preserving conditions at all times, or used immediately. Refrigeration is essential to provide a reserve of feed and to take advantage of seasonal availability of the product.
- Feed preparation machinery, grinders, mixers and blenders should be cleaned carefully after each use, and regularly maintained.
- Consideration should be given to the provision of alternative methods of food supply and preparation in the event of breakdown or emergency.
- Dry foods such as cereals and supplements should be stored under dry conditions, and precautions should be taken to protect them from vermin infestations.
Feed Distribution
Sufficient feed must be given at all times to ensure the health and well being of the fox.
- Feed should be placed in such a position that the fox can easily reach it; this is particularly important with young animals, and during periods of severe cold.
- Wet feed should be of a consistency which does not fall through the wire of pens, but which is sufficiently moist to attract the fox. Pellets, when used, should be fed in suitable feed containers.
- Feed should be given at least daily to growing and mature fox. Under certain conditions, a daily feeding may be skipped, and the amount added during subsequent feedings, depending on the condition of the fox.
- Feeding machines and all utensils for feed distribution should be kept clean to protect the health of the animals.
Watering Systems
The fox producer must ensure that clean water is available to the fox at all times.
- Most modern farms use either a fully automatic or semi-automatic watering system, or a combination of both, for the watering of fox. In freezing conditions, ice or snow should not be substituted for fresh water, as it may not provide enough moisture for the fox, particularly when feeding a dry, pellet type food.
- Fully automatic systems use a valve or nipple from a control tank. Care should be taken so that the system remains clean and that the individual valves/nipples do not become blocked.
- Regular maintenance should be carried out to prevent leaking of valves and connections which can cause wet areas in the yard.
- Semi-automatic watering systems require manual operation of control valves.
- It is essential to ensure easy access to drinking water and particular care should be taken that all operating systems are checked during hot weather. If neither the auto, or semi-automatic systems are used, fox should be watered a minimum of twice daily during warm weather to insure that a supply of clean water is available to the animals at all times.
U.S. Fox Shipper's Council And North Central Fox Producers. Standard Guidelines for the Operation of Fox Farms in the United States, 2006. USFSC and NCFP.
As a fox breeder, there are several options for your breeding program. Poly-breeding, pair-breeding, artificial insemination or any combination of these.
Understanding the Vixen Heat Cycle
How to Use the Rut Gauge
Poly-Breeding
More information coming soon.
Pair-Breeding
More information coming soon.
Artificial Insemination
More information coming soon.
If you have gone through the trouble of maintaining breeding stock, having a successful whelp and raising the kits to adult size, there is no reason to sell yourself short on the final steps of preparing your product for market. High quality final presentation is extremely important, not to mention there are standards to follow.
Dispatching
Fur animals must be dispatched as quickly and as painlessly as possible, by lethal injection or a substance accepted for this purpose by a licensed veterinarian. In cases where such a substance is not available, producers must employ a method considered by the inspecting veterinarian to be humane.1
The humane practice imperative in every phase of the production of fox must be followed as well in the harvesting of pelts. The producer should employ the most humane methods available.1 Aside from being ethical, it is also to your benefit to minimize unnecessary pelt damage during dispatching the animal and eliminate blood on the final product.
Skinning the Fox
- Tie a length of cord to each hind leg of the fox, just above the foot; tie the opposite ends of the cords to a rafter or anything else that is above your head. Lower the fox, head down, until the hind legs are at eye level and pull the hind legs as far apart as they will go.
- Put on gloves. Cut through the skin just above each foot, front and hind legs, going completely around each leg in a circle.
- Stick the top of the knife into the cut on one back leg and cut an incision following along the back of the leg, just below the anus and along the back of the opposite leg ending up at the cut around the opposite foot.
- Cut around the anus and then poke the tip of the knife into the incision bewteen the anus and the tail. Slice an incision on the underside of the tail half way to the tail’s tip.
- Peel the skin away from the tail bone with your fingers until the skin is free from the tail bone for the length of the incision. Push your fingers against the fur part of the tail at the end of the incision. Pull the remainder of the tail bone in the opposite direction, pulling the bone out of the uncut part of the tail.
- Pull the skin away from the carcass at the hind legs and cut through the membrane holding the skin to the carcass. Keep skinning out the hind legs until the skin is free of the legs.
- Slide the thumbs and forefingers of both hands between the skin and carcass and peel the skin down the body until the front legs are reached.
- Pry the skin away from the upper part of the front legs with your fingers only, as a knife here can cut the skin. For each leg, push a finger through the opening made between the leg and freed skin, grip the leg and pull it toward the body while pulling the skin over the leg in the opposite direction. Pull until the skin comes free over the foot.
- Skin down the neck to the ears using caution not to cut into the neck arteries. Cut the ears free by cutting against the skull and through the cartilage at the base of the ears.
- Move the knife slowly, skinning down the face to the eyes. Press the knife blade against the eyes cutting through the membrane covering the eyes, being careful not to cut the skin around the eyes.
- Pull and cut the skin free down the muzzle to the nose. Cut through the nose cartilage, freeing the nose. Cut the lips free by passing the knife between the skin and teeth/jaw bones. The skin is now free of the carcass and ready to be stretched and dried.
Drying the Pelt
Fox skins are dried fur side out. Remove ear cartilage and pay close attention to pinning the skirt as it should be straight. Typically, leaving the fox on the board for four days at a moderate temperature is adequate. It is recommended that you use an air board. At this point, remove the pelt from the board and hang it up by the nose for two more days.
Board Size
Whether you put up your own furs or have a professional complete this task, one thing you must be certain when selling through NAFA: You must use the correct board size. Pelts dried on boards with dimensions different from these specifications will be penalized accordingly during sorting.
Click here to download board dimension specifications.
1. U.S. Fox Shipper’s Council And North Central Fox Producers. Standard Guidelines for the Operation of Fox Farms in the United States, 2006. USFSC and NCFP.
Disease
The fox producer must always be aware of the condition of his herd, and be able to recognize signs of a distressed or ill animal. Common problems in United States fox farms are easily addressed and controlled through proper sanitation measures, conscientious nutrition formulation and vaccinations. These include taurine deficiency, lungworm, fleas, distemper and encephalitis.
Utilize these tips on disease prevention and learn more about specific illnesses by scrolling down to our list of known diseases in foxes.
- The producer should develop a close working relationship with a local veterinarian.
- It is important that fox producers develop an ability to observe the fox closely in order to detect any abnormalities of behavior, posture, gait, or other indication of ill health.Appropriate treatment should be given immediately.
- The producer should pay particular attention to the feces of fox, which is an excellent indicator of the animals’ health.
- No unexplained death(s) should go uninvestigated by post mortem examination.
- Fox should be inoculated against encephalitis and distemper.Young fox should be inoculated within two to three weeks of weaning. First year adults should also be inoculated at this time. It is accepted that if the producer is certain an animal has had at least two (2) treatments, in consecutive years, it is then protected for life.
- Note: At this time there are no medications approved by the FDA for use in fox. However, the use of certain medications on the market today is accepted by producers, and has proven effective in prevention. It is further noted that there is no way to positively insure that one hundred percent of the animals inoculated are therefore protected. A two or three treatment plan has proven both adequate and sufficient in the industry today.
- A program should be designed to prevent and eliminate any infections or parasites on or in the fox. this should include internal (roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, lungworms, etc.), and external, (fleas, ear mites, ticks, etc.). Fox may be treated by injection, subcutaneously or orally in the feed. Consultation will help an individual determine which is best in each case.
- In the event of an outbreak of any type of infestation, the producer should immediately contact a veterinarian. Infected fox should be quarantined from the herd, and a program implemented to eliminate the contamination.1
The canine distemper vaccine used today was developed by a U.S. fox farm in the 1930s. Learn more.
Learn about symptoms and prevention of specific illnesses:
Viral Diseases
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Diseases Related to Nutrition
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Diseases Caused by Parasites
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Fungal Diseases
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Bacterial Diseases
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Poisons
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Non-Specific Conditions
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Diseases Related to Reproduction
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Sanitation
A fox producer must impose effective hygienic and sanitary programs to avoid conditions which are unpleasant for the animals. Regular cleaning and fly control must be carried out, and adequate drainage must be available at all times.
- Poor drainage can cause bad sanitation.Wet or damp areas are both unpleasant, and breeding grounds for germs.
- Leaking water valves are a serious factor in causing wet areas. Inspect valves regularly.
- Manure should be removed from under pens at least twice a month.
- The control of fly population in the warm months is highly recommended. A fly control program is important. (Note: Remember that some insecticides are harmful to fox and humans. Seek professional advice.)
- The feed preparation buildings and surrounding area should be kept clean using effective and safe methods.
- Pens and nest boxes should be inspected for accumulation of feces and cleaned when necessary.
- Unsanitary conditions can cause distress to the animals, and can be unpleasant for the producer, visitors, neighbors, and the environment.1
1. U.S. Fox Shipper’s Council And North Central Fox Producers. Standard Guidelines for the Operation of Fox Farms in the United States, 2006. USFSC and NCFP.
Traveling crates must be adequately designed for transportation by road, rail, and air to allow sufficient space, air-flow, and comfort for each animal. Provisions must be made for watering and feeding. Correct documentation, as required, must be prepared.
- The design of a travelling crate must take into account the length of time the fox will be in transit. Each compartment must permit the animal to curl up comfortably and to turn without restriction. The animal should have the availability of food and water and suitable bedding material if required.
- Crates can be made to individual specifications with regard to the number of compartments. (Note: check airline regulations for air transport.)
- Crates can be made with a variety of materials. Care in construction is essential to ensure that the animals cannot excape, injure themselves, each other or their handlers.
- There should be an open space between the wire floor and the crate floor.The crate floor should be made of water proof material, either plywood, tin, or chipboard, to allow moisture to drain away from the compartment and animal, and to prevent dirt or manure from falling into the transport vehicle.
- Extreme care must be taken at all times to allow sufficient air flow. If the air is restricted within the area where the crates are stored it will heat up quickly, and fox, always susceptible to heat exhaustion, may expire or rapidly become ill.
- Movement of fox in hot weather can be undertaken with safety as long as all of the above requirements are followed. Hot weather can seriously endanger the lives of fox during transport; therefore, all precautions should be observed rigorously.
- Provision should be made for unexpected delays. Arrangements for feeding and watering (particularly vital) must be adequately ensured.
- It is important that the shipper and the receiver agree on the methods of transportation to be used and that rapid communication is available to them.
- During transport only one (1) animal should be placed in each cage.
- During transport lasting more than four (4) hours, the animals should be given water. During transportation lasting more than twenty-four (24) hours, they should be fed.
U.S. Fox Shipper’s Council And North Central Fox Producers. Standard Guidelines for the Operation of Fox Farms in the United States, 2006. USFSC and NCFP.
The U.S. Fox Shipper’s Council encourages all fox farms to manage their farms in accordance with the standard guidelines outlined in the Code of Ethics. When a farm meets the guidelines and this is supported by a veterinarian’s inspection, the USFSC will certify that the farm is a well run, humane agribusiness enterprise. It is beneficial for fur buyers to know that the animals they are purchasing were raised in a humane, ethical manner.
Click here to request your copy of the Code of Ethics (submit an electronic request to the USFSC)
Download the Fox Ranch Certification Checklist (to be filled out by veterinarian/inspector)
If you feel that your farm meets all of the guidelines and wish to have your farm certified by the USFSC, please do the following:
- Contact a veterinarian of your choice who agrees to inspect your farm. (Any inspection fees are the responsibility of the fox farmer.)
- Fill out the certification form identifying yourself and the veterinarian with required signatures and send it to one of the addresses at the bottom of the application.
The veterinarian you designate will be contacted and be provided with instructions.
The veterinarian who inspects your fox farm will be asked to notify the USFSC with the results of his or her inspection. If the veterinarian reports that your fox farm complies with all standards, a certificate will be issued. The certificate is suitable for framing and can be displayed in an appropriate location on your farm, such as the farm office.
The Canadian Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Farmed Fox was updated in 2013. While this publication does have some good information on raising fox, these are NOT the same as the guidelines prepared by the United States ranchers.
U.S. Fox Shipper’s Council And North Central Fox Producers. Standard Guidelines for the Operation of Fox Farms in the United States, 2006. USFSC and NCFP.
