The domestic skunk

The domestic skunk is intelligent and witty. You ask how can a skunk be witty? I’m glad you asked! For instance, I can play on the floor with my skunk. One game we enjoy together is tag, you're it! You chase the skunk through the house, the skunk veers off in another direction, and ends up directly behind you! Tag, you're it! You can see their little eyes just dance with excitement and glee! They can also be very stubborn, though it’s difficult to stay angry with them. If you tell them no, or ask them to do something, they stomp their cute little feet with the look of laughter in their eyes. It can be difficult determining who is the boss at times! The personality of the Domestic Skunk is the most unique of any exotic animal I’ve had the pleasure of knowing.

The skunk has been raised domestically for over 100 years. Fur farms began breeding the skunk domestically. The skunk fur was sold as Martin Fur. Now skunks are raised domestically for pets.

Legal Issues

A little less than half of the states in the United States allows skunks as pets. Some of these states require permits. But one very important concern you must consider is that there is no approved rabies vaccination in the US. A kitten often bites in play. If the animal has a rabies vaccination the bite is no big deal. If a skunk bites in play and the person that has been bitten reports it, the animal has received a death sentence; he must be tested for rabies. The head is removed from the animal and tested. If you are in a legal state and even if you have a permit, this fact DOES NOT CHANGE! Public awareness is greatly needed to educate the public to the atrocities of the plight of the domestic skunk. Once a vaccination is tested and approved a quarantine period can be set up; no more domestic skunks need to die.

Do you want a skunk?

Domestic skunks make outstanding pets for some people. You have to realize that skunks are not like a dog or cat. They can be very destructive at times. Their dietary requirements are fresh vegetables, fruits, whole wheat, dairy products, and a limited amount of high quality protein; this can become quite expensive. If a skunk is not spayed or neutered they can be very aggressive. Skunks can't be caged, EVER! If you cage a skunk you will have a mean, aggressive skunk that bites. Skunks are very unique, if you even have a twinkling of wanting a pet skunk, please read every reference of the pet skunk on the web and in books.

So you decided you might want a skunk. How do I pick it out? Buy from a reputable breeder. Make sure the skunk has bright clear eyes and a nice thick, glossy coat. Look for yellow discoloring in the white fur, the yellow "stain" is a sign of a health problem. Is the skunk active and happy?

Bonding and Training the New Baby Skunk

The most important thing you need to do is form a firm bond with this little pet. Keep him close to you and with you the majority of time. Skunks have an acute since of smell, being close to you and smelling you will knit the bond. Little skunks love to play. They enjoy it when you get on the floor with them. They love to stomp their little front legs at you, and then they scoot back wards. You do the same with your hands, stomp, stomp, and rake back. He will repeat the process, sometimes circling around and repeating it. They love to play with toys. Tug of war is great fun! Don't teach your skunks to play rough. You want a gentle, loving pet; not an aggressive pet

Housing

Like I mentioned before you can never cage a skunk. When they are little it is easier to have them in a confined space. You might want to keep them in an extra bedroom, or maybe the bathroom. This helps keep him safe from harm and also helps with the toilet training process. When you are sitting around reading, or watching TV, you can keep an eye on him, let him roam around the house. Eventually you will let him have total access of most of the house. Skunks can be very destructive; they can scratch up your carpeting and tear it to shreds. This is the nature of the skunk. Are you sure you want a domestic skunk?

Skunk Proofing Your Home

Skunks can escape out of the smallest of places. I'm not sure how they do it, but they can flatten out to the depth of a carpet and scoot under many things, for example, doors. Skunks have no homing instincts. They have a strong since of curiosity and once out, they will sniff and investigate their selves right into being totally lost. The skunk is descented (the scent glands have been removed) when you purchased him and he has no way of protecting himself. Make sure there isn’t any way for him to get outside. Check out dryer vents, heat vents, pet doors, there are numerous ways for a little skunk to get out. It is extremely rare that a lost skunk is ever found.

Other things you need to do to skunk proof your home is to put child proof latches on all the cupboards that could contain dangerous materials or things you don't want the skunk to get into. Skunks love to dig, keep the potted plants out of reach. Look around at your low tables. Skunks' front feet are very much like hands, they have quite the reach on them and can pull things down from tables and get injured.

Bedding Material

Give them soft, cuddly materials for bedding. Give him an article of clothing that you have worn with your scent on it. It will help the bonding process and assure him when he is alone. Good bedding materials are old towels, old sheets, blankets and even old articles of clothing. Just give him the bedding. Skunks are talented and like to make their own beds. It is a great deal of fun to watch them arrange their bedding. A skunk "carrying" a blanket is hilarious. They pull the blanket backward with their front paws. Shoving it backwards.

Nutrition

Make sure the skunk has plenty of fresh water available to him at all times. Skunks need a very nutritious diet. Feed them fresh, cooked and raw vegetables that are washed. The same with fruits and greens. They need smaller amounts of protein, broiled chicken and turkey, NO BEEF EVER! Cheese in small amounts can be given, including cottage cheese. Don't ever give your skunks cat food, it will kill them.

Sexual Practices

Skunks are very aggressive and vicious if they are not spayed or neutered. Little male skunks should be neutered as early as possible. Right when you first feel their testicles start to develop. This can happen as early as 3 months. Little female skunks need to be spayed by no later than 4 months. If they start reaching sexual maturity they can begin to bite and be quite vicious. After the surgery and when their hormone levels return to normal, their previous personalities will return.

Health

When you choose a vet for your skunk be very picky. Find out what his or her policy is if the skunk should bite someone. Make sure the vet has an updated education in skunks. In fact ask the vet if a skunk always carries rabies. If the answer is yes, run the other way, quick!

All skunks have roundworms; you must worm them once a month with Evict or Nemex2 liquid dog wormer. Strongid is prescription strength and must be bought and prescribed by a vet.

Skunks require vaccinations; both canine and feline shots are an absolute must! The skunk should receive his first set at 4 weeks of age. Galaxy DA2PPvL+Cv and Eclipse 4 are the recommended vaccinations for a skunk. They will receive a set of baby shots and then a booster shot once a year.

Don't ever declaw a skunk. A skunk’s claws are his fingers. This is how he holds his food and eats. If you had your fingers removed how would you feel? Declawing a skunk is animal abuse, plain and simple.

Summary

The domestic skunks are full of personality and antics. The skunk is a very different and unique animal. It is certainly not a pet for everyone. Please research the domestic skunk completely before making a purchase. As in all exotic pets, please don't purchase a skunk because someone else has one. Caring for a skunk takes a tremendous amount of time, finance, love and dedication.