Skunks as Pets: When it comes to pets, not many people think about skunks as their first choice. But, they can make quite presentable and playful pets when they’re born and raised in a separate domestic area. Domestic skunks make quite good exotic pets as they are born and bred in hygienic and healthy conditions.
Skunks can be good, friendly, and distinctive pets when they are kept in the proper environment. Having a skunk as a pet is a bold decision in itself.
That is why before acting upon this idea of a skunk as a pet, you must know all about their behaviors and living conditions.
Here are some facts about skunks that you might want to know before adopting one for your home.
Skunks as Pets - All that you Need to Know!
FRIENDLY AND JOYFUL
Skunks are curious creatures who enjoy getting into mischief. They enjoy cuddling and are jovial animals, providing their pet parents with hours of free amusement. Pet skunks, like their wild animal equivalents, have a fondness for getting into garbage.
Skunks are sensitive, smart animals and their temperament vary with each individual. As it does with all intelligent animals, skunks have a playful demeanor. They are naturally inquisitive and will open unlocked cabinets. The potential skunk parents must acknowledge this fact and keep their cupboards and cabinets locked at all times.
NEED SUPERVISION
When your skunk is left unattended, it is best to keep him in a separate play area. Toys and blankets can be placed in this area to stimulate their fascination and cuddly nature.
It is important to keep an eye on them when they go outside as they can get lost very easily. If you leave your skunks alone, make sure that there is no destructible furniture around as they like to nibble on almost everything.
SKUNKS ARE FOODIES
It can be difficult to provide a balanced diet for a pet skunk because there are few prepared skunk foods available. Skunks need a large variety of food to eat. As they have a big appetite, you should refrain from overfeeding.
Vegetables, fruits, dairy, yogurt, carbohydrate, minerals, vitamins, and eggs are best for a skunk’s diet. Skunks require constant access to a dish of freshwater, even if some don’t drink much. They get a lot of their water from the vegetables in their diet.
CURIOUS NATURE
Due to their curious nature, skunks like to dig into things. They should be provided with a special play area that they should be made familiar with. Letting your skunks roam outside is risky business.
They must be supervised at all times, especially at a young age, or kept inside the house. Skunks can be taught to use a litter box. It is best to avoid play fighting with baby skunks because they may become violent and uncooperative as they grow older.
VETERINARY CARE
Baby skunks purchased from a pet store have typically received no medical treatment other than scent gland extraction and will require spaying or neutering, shots, and deworming. Coccidia and other protozoa, as well as parasites, will need to be tested. Skunks must also be examined on a yearly basis. Domestic skunks also have their scent glands removed which makes them a lot better than their wild counterparts.
Skunks should not be declawed because they use their claws to eat. Instead, their claws should be trimmed on a regular basis. Skunks have “digging” claws, similar to dogs, rather than gripping claws, similar to cats. It could be difficult to find a veterinarian to properly care for your skunk. That is why you should make sure that you have all the requirements of owning a pet skunk in check before bringing one home.
Is it Legal to Own a Skunk?
Skunks can be kept as pets in states such as Kentucky, Michigan, Oregon, and Pennsylvania if you have a permit and vaccinations.
In some states, such as Florida, Indiana, Ohio, New Jersey, and Wyoming, keeping a skunk that was bred in the state is completely legal.
Before considering getting a pet skunk, check state laws to ensure that they are legal in your area.
Most states have legalized owning skunks and some require a special license. You must consider the legalities of owning a pet skunk in your state. The ownership of skunks must be taken seriously as they need proper diet, health, and veterinary care.
SHOULD YOU OWN A PET SKUNK?
Domesticated skunks make interesting and adorable pets, but they require a lot of supervision. They need proper care and attention in order to prosper. Before purchasing or adopting a skunk, potential owners should think long and hard about whether they have the time and resources to properly care for one.
If you are searching for a skunk, be completely ready and patient so that you can be sure that you are getting the right pet for your home.
