The gestation period is a critical phase in the life cycle of foxes, requiring careful feeding and management. After mating, both males and females are provided with nutrient-rich diets that emphasize freshness, variety, and palatability. Moldy feed must be strictly avoided, as it can harm the developing embryos. To prevent stillbirths and abortions, 2–3 boiled eggs are often included in the diet. In the early stages of pregnancy, embryonic development is slow, but it accelerates significantly in the later stages, with visible abdominal sagging by day 30. The nutritional requirements during this time are set at 418 kJ (100 kcal) of metabolizable energy, with silver foxes needing 10g of digestible protein and Arctic foxes requiring 11g.
Some pregnant foxes may experience early pregnancy symptoms such as loss of appetite or vomiting. In these cases, it’s important to offer easily digestible foods like milk or cooked eggs to ensure they continue eating without affecting their health or the birth process.
During this time, the environment should remain calm and undisturbed. No vehicles, construction, or visitors should be allowed near the enclosure. Additionally, measures must be taken to prevent predators from entering the area. Access to clean water must be available at all times, and feed must be kept fresh and free from contamination.
The breeding season for foxes can last up to two months, with a noticeable gap between early and late matings. To manage this, foxes can be divided into two groups for gestation. If some females are not yet ready to breed, they can be introduced to the gestation area alongside pregnant ones to encourage estrus.
When the time comes for birth, the nesting area should be disinfected five days prior using methods like fire-fighting disinfection or natural UV exposure through sunlight. Soft grass is placed in the nest, and in colder regions, it is compacted to create a warm shelter. In warmer areas, the grass should not be too thick.
Before giving birth, pregnant females may show signs such as restlessness, chewing on materials, or plugging the entrance of the nesting box. These behaviors indicate that labor is imminent. Most births occur at night or early in the morning, though some may happen during the day. The birthing process typically lasts between 1 and 6 hours, with most lasting 2 to 3 hours. After birth, the mother usually cleans the newborns, eats the placenta, and breaks the umbilical cord.
Newborn foxes begin nursing immediately, and the lactation period lasts about 55–60 days. However, some mothers may not care for their young due to lack of milk or other issues. Breeders must check on the litter within 12–24 hours after birth to ensure the umbilical cords are cut, the mother has pulled hair around her nipples, and there are no stillbirths.
If the mother fails to care for the cubs, manual intervention may be necessary. This includes cleaning the newborns, cutting the umbilical cord, and providing artificial feeding if needed. In some cases, foster mothers or even animals like dogs and cats can be used to raise the cubs. However, the best option is to use another healthy female fox from the same generation.
Some farms have dedicated birthing rooms where staff can monitor the process closely. This allows for timely interventions, such as rescuing weak cubs or assisting with difficult births. However, this method can be stressful for the mother and may delay labor, so it should be used cautiously.
During the nursing period, the nutritional needs of the mother are similar to those during pregnancy. Milk, goat milk, or formula is essential to provide easily digestible nutrients. Young foxes are gradually weaned at around 55–60 days, depending on the mother’s milk supply. Weaning should be done slowly to minimize stress, and the diet should be adjusted according to age-specific standards.
The growth phase is crucial for young foxes, especially in the first three months when they grow rapidly. Proper nutrition directly affects their ability to breed in the following year and their overall size and quality. As they grow, the energy and protein content of their diet should increase accordingly.
From August to September, the reproductive organs of young foxes begin to develop. They should be separated from non-breeding animals and fed a higher-quality diet, including added vitamin E. Careful attention must also be given to parasite prevention. During the growth period, grain should be cooked to avoid digestive issues, and feeding should be done in cooler parts of the day to prevent bloating.
Overall, successful fox breeding requires attention to detail, proper nutrition, and a controlled environment to ensure the health of both the mother and the cubs.
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