Key Points of Winter Feeding and Management Techniques for Muskrats

In winter, muskrats are in a low-consumption stage. The main task during this period is to ensure the muskrats overwinter safely and lay the foundation for the next year's production and breeding. To achieve safe overwintering of muskrats, the key points of feeding and management are: sufficient grass for warmth, timely supply of grain and vegetables, and persistent regular inspection.

In the cold northern regions of our country, outdoor temperatures sometimes reach -20℃--30℃. To ensure the safe overwintering of muskrats, the water in the cage pond should be drained, and the pond should be filled with dry grass. The dry grass must be sun-dried and must not contain any moldy grass. When necessary, the cages can be covered with plastic film to protect against the cold. In the southern regions of our country, winter temperatures are relatively high, so the pond water can be stopped in early December, and after the water is drained, the pond should be filled with dry grass.

In winter, muskrats consume less feed. Because the weather is colder, the feed does not spoil easily, so feeding does not need to be done every day; 2-3 days' worth of feed can be given at one time. In winter, the concentrate feed for muskrats can be fed as follows: cornmeal 72%, soybean cake 7%, wheat bran 20%, bone meal 0.5%, salt 0.5%, at 30 grams per animal per day. Green feed can include vegetables, poplar and willow branches, etc., at 200 grams per animal per day. The survival condition of muskrats can be judged by their food intake. If muskrats are found not to eat feed or to eat very little, an inspection should be carried out so that problems and diseases can be detected and handled in time. Under normal circumstances, no additional drinking water is needed; as long as some succulent vegetables are fed in the green feed, the muskrats' water needs can basically be met.

Muskrat enclosures do not need to be cleaned every day in winter, but they should still be observed frequently: first, check whether the cages have cracks and drafts; second, check whether there is too little grass and it needs to be replenished; third, check the feed consumption; fourth, check whether any escapes or losses have occurred. Records should be kept for every inspection.

Although winter management is simple, it is very important. It requires careful observation, scientific judgment, and necessary inspections. Management work must not be left unchecked, which could cause losses.