WILD

Wild American mink weigh about 6 gms when born, and are weaned at eight to 10 weeks old, weighing about 350 gms (see Reproduction).

By the time it reaches adulthood, a male is about the size of a small house cat, weighing 680 - 1,300 gm, and measuring about 56 cm in length.

The smaller female weighs 450 - 700 gm, and measures about 54 cm in length.

The tail accounts for about a third of a mink's total body length.

Lake and marsh-dwelling mink are usually larger than those that live along streams.

DOMESTICATED

Domesticated mink are bred in part for their size, and are normally much larger than their wild cousins. This is partly the result of management and diet, but the main reason for the size of domesticated mink is genetics. To have large mink, you must select for large mink.

At birth, kits weigh about 10 gms and are weaned onto solid food after 24-28 days, weighing about 200 gms. They can more than double their size in the first few days of life, attesting to the nutritious quality of mink milk, and underlining the importance of good nutrition and health for lactating females.

The average weight of a domesticated adult varies by color and sex. Females of all colors range from 1,000 to 2,000 gm, and average about 1,400 gm. Males range from 2,000 to 4,000 gm, and average 2,600 to 2,700 gm.