Caged minks aren't a happy lot, suggests research conducted by zoologists at the University of Oxford, uk . Researchers suggest thee minks would rather be swimming. They studied minks kept in cages typical of the type used in mink farms and offered them extra resources, including a small pool, toys, an alternative nest site and a plastic tunnel, in special compartments. Access to the various compartments was by means of doors that were weigheted differently for different compartments. The minks were found willing to expend most energy to get to the pool. An alternative nest site was the second most favored resource, while extra space was the last on their priority. Having access to the pool and other resources lowered the animals' level of stress says a March 6, 2001 report in the New York Times web edition.
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