Because of the overriding desire to be free, they frequently bite each other and themselves, even to the point of cannibalism. The exhibit stereotypical behaviour of captive animals in extreme states of stress, such as repetitive actions and somersaulting. Frustration is increased by the pain of walking on unnatural wire floors as well as the physical damage caused by fighting, gnawing and the common genetic disorders caused by frequent in-breeding. The mink receive one or two meals per day, consisting of a paste made from other animals such as fish and chicken offal. There is no chance to hunt and there is no fresh meat to feed on.
Water is provided for drinking with no chance of swimming.
This is the most common method for killing mink on fur farms world-wide. The mink are placed in large killing boxes which are attached to an exhaust from a tractor or car. The killing gases produced are carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide. The gas is often hot and full of impurities causing pain on inhalation and irritation to the eyes. It is imperative that the mink are confirmed dead before removal from the killing box otherwise they may then go on to be skinned alive and it is even possible for recovery to occur seconds before the pelting process.