The baby skunk you buy from a pet store is about 4 to 8 weeks old, descented and VERY SCARED, as you would be if you were in this baby skunk's place. Those that have all these procedures done tend to be more expensive. The legality of owning a skunk. A proper diet can prevent or minimize many of these problems, so regularly discuss your pet’s diet with your vet. This can be attributed to the reduced number of predators as well as proper nutrition and care that comes with domestication. This pic was taken near Yellowstone. In the wild, skunks are most active at dawn and dusk. Once the first series of deworming is over, adult pet skunks should be dewormed every four to six months. They therefore should not be too much of a concern. You're more likely to find these via online stores rather than your local pet shop. Pet Skunks : Do Skunks Make Good Pets? There are new ways to test for rabies that do not involve killing the pet but they are in limited use at this time. Baby skunks from the pet store generally have not had any medical treatment other than scent gland removal, and will require spaying or neutering, shots, and worming. I know he is only playing but it still hurts and I definitely won’t let my grandson play with him for specifically that reason. It's typically ideal to look for a young skunk, which will be easier to tame and adapt to your household. A lack of knowledge and understanding for the care of the skunks all affect them negatively just like poor diet and mistreatment. You cannot keep the skunk as a pet for any time for more … As such, it will be necessary to oversee other skunk pet veterinary care procedures carried out to ensure they stay well and healthy. Not all skunk owners have the ability to put together a healthy food plan for their skunk. STOMP is available in both chicken and duck and can be purchased at www.petskunkfood.com and www.justskunks.com. While most skunks on sale in the US have their glands removed, not all will have been spayed or neutered. A pet skunk’s diet should include lean protein (chicken or fish), vegetables, some fruits, and cooked grains—all fresh. Your email address will not be published. They are mainly kept in Germany, Canada, Italy, Netherlands, Poland and the United States. The better you care for your skunk the better and more tolerant it will be to its owners, strangers as well as other pets. However, skunks as pets tend to be rare due to the complexity of their care and restrictive laws. We have been breeding quality domestic skunks for 25 years. You cannot own a skunk as a pet for any reason in the state of Arizona. There also is difficulty finding experienced veterinarians for treating your pet. Are skunks good pets? Skunk pets are capable of living indoors with human beings just as cats and dogs do. However, the removal of their scent glands is illegal. They made a great pair. Skunks have trouble digesting processed foods. Here at the Exotic Animal Hospital of Orlando we offer a variety of services in order to prevent diseases in your pet skunk. Some specifications may cost you more than others. If your skunk gets loose, it can cover miles in a day. Of course, there is a permit offered for the new entrants. Domesticated pet skunks are legal to keep in the UK. This site also receives a small commission from affiliate links and third-party advertising. Some vets will suggest you give the skunk rabies shots, but this does NOT prevent the state health department from taking your skunk if it bites someone. The majority of states ban skunks as pets. Report. However, a lack of knowledge may lead to negative behavior such as biting and failure to use the litter box. You should always discuss treatment of medical conditions with your veterinarian before using any alternative therapies, natural supplements, or vitamins. Skunks generally lack a homing instinct, so once your skunk is gone, it likely won't be able to find its way back home. He’s such a mama’s boy X3 When you are away from home, you can confine it in the kennel to keep it (and your house) safe. Fortunately, pet skunks also tend to be sociable and playful when they grow up interacting with people. It would therefore be important to check on the legality of these pets. Skunks should be spayed or neutered at a young age, usually when they're 4 to 6 months old, to prevent aggression and potential health issues due to their hormones, such as cancer. Removing the scent glands may be done at the same time, though this is often done at an even younger age while the skunks are still with the breeder. In the wild, skunks are omnivores, eating nearly anything they can find. i am looking for help in N. New Mexico for orphan infant. In most cases, when purchasing baby skunks as pets from a store, they will only have had their glands removed. This is a controversial procedure, as some people believe it strips away a necessary defense mechanism that a pet skunk would need should it ever get loose outside or otherwise be attacked. As such, it will be necessary to oversee other skunk pet veterinary care procedures carried out to ensure they stay well and healthy. If you are a juvenile thinking about getting a domestic skunk as a pet, there are a few extra things you need to consider. When sourcing a veterinarian, one with ‘zoo’ or ‘wildlife’ experience, preferably board-certified in exotic pet medicine, is best. There are 12 species of skunks and their general appearance varies from species to species. It's best to keep a pet skunk indoors, as it won't have its spraying defense against predators. While purchasing a skunk, find out if this has been done or not. Was a striped skunk, Mephitis mephitis. It should be active and alert. Care and Maintenance of Your Pet Skunk. They will need to be tested for coccidia and other protozoa as … It usually is a pain trying various methods on how to get rid of skunk smell on dogs, cats and surfaces. Some of the necessary procedures include deworming, vaccine shots, neutering and spaying. Mary Kaye Ashley's book, A Comprehensive Guide to Raising a Pet Skunk, recommends a ratio of 50 percent vegetables, 40 percent Skunkie Delight, and 10 percent other whole foods. This is why it’s critical to keep a pet skunk indoors or highly supervised during any outdoor time. The peak availability for young skunks is in the spring, but you might have to place a deposit and be put on a waiting list. By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. For your pet skunk to turn out really great, the owner has to be good to it as well. You could also buy one from the American Skunk Association as well as other non-profit organizations carrying out education on having skunks as pets. Start the deworming program anywhere between seven and eight weeks of age and administer three to four treatments biweekly. This will yield a rewarding relationship. Avoid administering dewormers too frequently as this will result in worms becoming resistant. Find out as much information as you can before purchasing one. Some of the necessary procedures include deworming, vaccine shots, neutering and spaying. While your skunk will want to be out roaming about the house, it needs that safe place. There are some that are black and white while others will be cream or brown colored. Their surprising popularity as a pet is in spite of the fact that removal of a skunk’s scent glands is considered an immoral practice in the UK, meaning the risk of being sprayed by a spooked skunk is very real! Talk to your vet for necessary deworming. The Spruce Pets uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. This most of the times leads to people wondering; do skunks make good pets? The skunk waddled as it calmly walked with the man. Some red flags include labored breathing or mucus around the eyes, nose, or mouth, which can indicate disease. Plus, it can be complicated to feed a pet skunk a balanced diet, as there are few formulated skunk foods available. Skunks pets for sale in UK though will still have the glands since the procedure is illegal. Since they are still relatively new in the pet world, how to best feed a skunk is still the subject of some debate and probably will be as long as people care about keeping skunks happy and healthy. The topic of what to feed skunks is very controversial, according to Owners of Pet Skunks. Consult your veterinarian for the appropriate timing and quantity of food for your particular animal. It is important to establish veterinary care for your skunk before it even comes into your home. And most of the areas that allow pet skunks have stipulations, such as requiring permits or necessitating that the skunk was bred within the state. Make sure you know all of your state and local laws before committing. Find a vet that can perform these delicate procedures. But I don’t know if my family would like one. We get into the details of these below. His name is Ollie and we love him! Your parents should be 100% supportive in your decision to have a domestic skunk as a pet. This is illegal in most places unless you are a licensed wildlife rehabber. I just got bit by mine today, and she bit my finger and chipped my bone. This is because it will have lost its first line of defense and will thus be vulnerable to predators. Some of a skunk's personality traits, such as being stubborn and headstrong, can make it a challenge to live with. Check back next year for an updated booklet. These animals need lots of stimulation, and many enjoy playing with dog or cat toys. Although they are great when socialized, single skunk pets will require more attention and pampering from their owners. A pet skunk is a skunk kept by humans for companionship and enjoyment. In addition to feeding and cleaning up after your skunk, expect to spend several hours per day keeping it entertained. It is not intended to serve as medical advice or to take the place of advice from, or treatment by, your veterinarian. Expect to pay between $200 and $500. Their eggs remain viable even after extreme weather conditions. Fur farm owners could also sell their extras to pet stores and interested individuals. If a skunk has been descented properly, there will be very little, if any, odor surrounding them. But captive-bred skunks typically have those glands surgically removed. Yes, you have to put your skunk under the cutting table. So if your pet skunk bites a person or another animal, authorities might seize it to monitor for rabies symptoms. In case you are wondering whether you can get a skunk pet for sale in PA, Ohio, Oklahama, Florida, Iowa, Indiana, Wisconsin, New Jersey or anywhere else near you, you can check with the relevant bodies. Vaccines, diet recommendations, and behavior of skunks should all be researched before acquiring a pet skunk and finding a veterinarian who is familiar with skunks can be very difficult. They also require an annual checkup so that you can get advised on whether any dietary supplements or changes are necessary. Skunkie Delight is a homemade blend of a cooked … During the first appointment, we will review proper diet and husbandry, the need of vaccinating your pet and how to prevent the development of major diseases in your skunk. Bathing is important to the health and well being of your pet skunk. Most people allow their skunks to roam their homes while they are there to monitor them. Also important to note is that a domesticated skunk cannot be released back to the wild. Roundworms have been known to kill skunk pets. Pet Skunks : Pet Skunk Care. Apparently, due to its strong scent, no mammals are particularly interested in eating skunks. The cost as well as regulations for owning a skunk as a pet will vary from state to state. But, if you socialize and train your animal that biting is not acceptable, just like with a ferret, you tend to not have this problem. The vet will perform a minor operation on your pet skunk to remove the scent gland which allows the skunk to spray that horrible liquid in its own defense. Learn how to create a happy, healthy home for your pet. We have a male who is 5 months old. Indoors, provide a large dog kennel for your skunkas big as you can find. So make sure it always has access to its litter box, and plan to scoop out the litter daily. DogsCatspets is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising & linking to amazon.com. The only bad thing I can say about him is that he plays rough! Pet skunks are descented and thus make good pets. Where you are not in a position to handle their claws, have it done by your vet. STOMP, pet skunk diet, is a species appropriate food for all life stages of your pet skunk. Consult your vet for the proper dosage. Also get information on the shipping costs and terms to help you get the most appropriate estimate of the total costs. Be aware that it can be difficult to find a veterinarian who specializes in skunks, so ensure that you will be able to see one before acquiring a pet skunk. This will span from 10 to 15 years with some being said to live for up to 20 years. 1:53. It is best to keep a pet skunk indoors as it won't have its spraying defense against predators. If the bite is reported, the skunk will normally be destroyed, so DO NOT let people PET your skunk. Skunks also need to be vaccinated against common dog and cat diseases, such as distemper, as well as dewormed. When born and raised in captivity, skunks can make for friendly, intelligent, and unique pets. To enrich your experience with them you could watch videos on the same as well as seek information from local breeders. Unfortunately, many pet skunks in the United States are abandoned when … These are issues you should be aware of before settling into keeping a skunk as a pet. You can keep your skunk in a large dog kennel whenever you're away from home to make sure it stays safe. There are a few pre-packaged, formulated diets available for skunks. Dog Pimples on Back, Belly, and Head – Causes, Treatment, and Pictures of Dog Acne. Keeping skunks as pets also comes with the added responsibility of having them vaccinated against diseases. If you aren't using a formulated food, your skunk's diet should be roughly 60% to 70% lean protein, such as cooked chicken, eggs, fish, or feeder insects. Finally, skunks need access to a dish of fresh water at all times, though some don't drink a lot. However, you can safely take your pet skunk outdoors on a harness and leash for exercise and enrichment. Spaying Or Neutering Your Pet Skunk. It is not necessary to administer other vaccines that may be created for cats and dogs as these are modified and may end up causing illnesses in skunks. This, though, is illegal in the UK. There is evidence that distemper causes serious illness in skunk pets. Hopefully there will be a response from concerned pet skunk owners in Oregon to get this document modified to something reasonable regarding pet skunk care. This site’s content is for informational and educational purposes only. There are many things to consider before making the decision to become a skunk owner. I have had ferrets for years, they are scary to people because they come at you with their teeth. Skunk pets use their claws to handle food and should therefore not be declawed. Before thinking about getting a pet skunk, check state laws and make sure they are legal to own in your area. Copyright © 2015-2021 Dogs Cats Pets, LLC. Raptors, on the other … And some people set up entire rooms, such as a small bedroom, as "skunk playrooms." Pet skunks will eat just about anything. The rest of the diet should primarily be fresh, cooked, or thawed frozen vegetables. Health problems in skunks include rectal prolapse, seizures, diabetes, liver disease, kidney failure, heart problems, calcium deficiency, excessive weight, allergies, general mal-nutrition, etc. This will not only be safe for the pet skunk but it will also make it easier for it to be adopted. If for whatever reason it gets to a point where you can no longer have one, get a shelter for skunks and leave it there. I once saw a man in a pet center walking his skunk on a leash. To have a skunk as a pet, you will also have to have its scent-sac removed and have your pet spayed or neutered. It is how you’ve trained your pet as well as the habits developed. baby skunk photo by AnimalPhotos And a lovely, snowy scene with adult. Some pet skunks have even been euthanized after biting. That means closely monitoring any open doors and windows. My skunk’s name is Clark. Click the link to view and download this years’s booklet. Be certain that you want to keep one before buying. Oregon skunk ownership may be a thing of the past if something doesn’t happen. To further enrich your experience with a skunk as a pet, you need to properly train and care for them. They’re also not prone to aggression when properly socialized, but they will bite if they feel threatened. You most probably know skunks for their ability to spray some terrible fluid on perceived enemies. Skunks are not low-maintenance pets. Other factors affecting the cost include the species. To play with a baby pet skunk, it is possible to get on one's hands and knees, and playfully tap the floor with the fingers of one hand, while moving the hand toward the skunk. To most some people, owning a pet skunk may be alien. We carry out our mission by serving as a point of access for veterinary professionals and pet owners to comprehensive health information, reference materials and clinical databases. Read our, Learn The Basics of Caring for Pet Skunks. Care Booklet for Pet Skunk Kits 2017. Unlike other domesticated animals, they can be rambunctious, stealing items and having little regard for … 27 talking about this. Lianne is a veterinarian, epidemiologist, and freelance writer who's written nearly 400 articles for The Spruce Pets. According to skunkhaven.net, skunks as pets are what you make out of them. When I was a teen we liked to build Harley choppers, I had a friend who had a pet skunk , this skunk loved to ride in a basket between the handle bars of my friends chopper , it was so cool to see them go down the street with there hair blowing in the wind ..that skunk loved him ..They went everywhere together.. he. The availability of baby skunks as pets tends to pick after the skunk mating season in the spring. Considering a Pet Skunk? They can learn to be comfortable when handled by people, and they can be quite playful and cuddly. Learning recommendations for their diet, any vaccines they need, as well as their general behavior is required to successfully own and care for a pet skunk. Finding a vet comfortable with treating your skunk will insure that you can help keep your skunk healthy and have knowledgeable care if an emergency … You also can see whether a rescue group has an older skunk whose personality would fit your lifestyle. Skunks are adorable little creatures, so we created a list of cute skunk names that you can use for your pet. A pet skunk is member of the family, the same as a dog or cat and should … They quickly get the idea, and will respond with a sort of cat-like rearing up and coming down on their front feet. In the United States, pet skunks for sale can be found in licensed shelters. Your veterinarian should be able to recommend the correct course of vaccinations. You should never take a skunk from the wild to keep as a pet. is there some place to take it or have its stinker removed so it can live cared for on our property?? However, skunks don't tolerate being housed in a cage for extended periods, so aim to keep its time in the kennel to only a few hours. In some states, it is illegal to have this animal as a pet, so this is … Some skunks love the water and learn to swim with ease. Native to North America, skunks are known for their scent glands that can spray foul-smelling chemicals at predators. Ensure that your home is escape-proof to keep your skunk safe. Before the eggs start being visible in the feces, round worms could have infested the skunks for a while. Overall, these animals require a lot of time and expertise on your part to care for them properly. Happy: Every pet owner wants their pet to be happy in their homes. As pets, young skunks should be fed several times a day while adult skunks can be fed in the morning and evening. Outdoors, provide a pen that is at least 6 feet long, 6 feet wide, a… Furthermore, skunks can be trained to use a litter box like a cat or ferret. Avian And Exotic Veterinary Medicine, 2020. I want a pet skunk. Simply put out their meals in a bowl for them. Skunks need to be dewormed and receive a rabies and distemper vaccinations. If you’re interested in similar pets, check out: Otherwise, check out these other exotic animals to find your next pet. They are active and curious, which means they will get into everything in your home. Domestic skunks have a lifespan of 10 years, but with delicate care and attention, some rare cases have reached 15 years. Pet skunks have their scent emitting glands removed at about the age of four years. With a bit of research potential owners can learn all they need to have a great pet and be able to provide the necessary care for a domestic skunk. However, as they make their move, they will be looking you straight in the eyes, while aiming, with tail raised high, their potent "wea… This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. SkunkVetCare.org’s mission is to address and satisfy the informational needs of the domestic skunk health care community. But a pet skunk can learn to be on its human's schedule. Compared to other pets, caring for pet skunks is more challenging and complicated. Anything can bite. Veterinary Care for Skunks << Back to all Skunk Help & Education or Shop Skunk Products. Avoid canned vegetables with salt. To handle their claws, keep them well trimmed on regular basis. While getting your skunk as a pet, be certain to ask for a health certificate. In the United States, they are not legal in all the states. However, this permit will always remain temporary in nature. Also, try to offer your skunk foods high in calcium and taurine, or give it supplements that provide these. Posted: (3 days ago) Similarly to a dog, giving your pet skunk daily interaction is not optional. Skunks are mostly known for their secretion of a bad smelling fluid. The females should undergo neutering at four to six months. As mentioned earlier, if you live in the UK, you’re free and clear to take care of a skunk. More than one treatment may be necessary to keep the worms away when you are keeping a skunk as a pet. Always handle your pet skunk with care and love. Erliworm is a common brand of pet wormer containing piperazine. So, consider naming your pet Happy as a way to remind yourself of your duty to keep yourself happy. Before settling for a domesticated skunk as your pet, it is important to understand their needs well. No. My arms are a mess. In case after all efforts of having skunks as pets they do not turn around for you, you could opt to have it relocated to skunk shelters. It is recommended to neuter or spay a pet skunk at 4 to 6 months of age in order to prevent unwanted scent marking that skunks accomplish with urine dribbling in various places. The striped skunk species has over time proved to be the most social of them all and thus is the one mostly domesticated. When purchasing skunks as pets the necessary shots may also not have been administered. The man’s head was shaved and he had a white Mohawk. Never play aggressively with a baby skunk as they will continue the … Browse more videos. Aim to interact with any animal before you bring it home. Skunk Care Services. Avoid purchasing an animal through the internet or from a classified ad, as you're less likely to get accurate information about its origin and health history this way. Playing next. Plan on at least an annual wellness exam for your animal. So now that you have removed the stink spot from your skunk you must prepare to care and love your skunk forever. Pet Skunk Care sheet - Exotic Animals. Learn how your comment data is processed. They get much of the water they need from the vegetables in their diet. Although there is scarcity of scientific information regarding keeping skunks as pets, if you are enthusiastic, you will reap the best from keeping a skunk as a pet.