Skunks and health care. Consult your veterinarian for the appropriate timing and quantity of food for your particular animal. As with any pet, prospective skunk owners should think long and hard about whether or not they have the time and the resources to properly care for a skunk before purchasing or adopting one. Rabies is usually fatal to humans and pets unless treated immediately. It is important that your skunk is neutered or spayed while young, as well as being fully vaccinated. View All Moderators. In the case of wild skunks the answer is no. If your skunk gets loose, it can cover miles in a day. Skunks are opportunists at heart — they’re mainly attracted to low-hanging fruit like garbage and pet food left out at night, as well as convenient denning sites, such as wood and rock piles, elevated sheds, openings under concrete slabs and porches and crawl spaces. If the preemptive stripes don’t work, the skunk will then try to scare … Skunks are wild animals. 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. There are a few pre-packaged, formulated diets available for skunks. While they are not a common household pet, skunks have actually been bred domestically for years. In many cases, the selling of skunks for pets is … Skunks also need to be vaccinated against common dog and cat diseases, such as distemper, as well as dewormed. As exotic pets, however, pet skunks are not allowed everywhere. But a pet skunk can learn to be on its human's schedule. They're also natural diggers and might dig into a carpet or scratch furniture if they don't have enough toys of their own. However, as they make their move, they will be looking you straight in the eyes, while aiming, with tail raised high, their potent "weapon" directly at your eyes simultaneously. That means closely monitoring any open doors and windows. Learn how to create a happy, healthy home for your pet. The answer depends upon what you are willing to put up with and how involved you want to be. There is no single set of indications that an animal may have rabies; since it is a neurological disease, rabies can manifest itself in many ways. 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. Skunks don't seem like they would make the best house pets, considering the odor their infamous for producing. I can't stress this enough: "Raccoon" and "pet" are mutually exclusive terms. In addition to feeding and cleaning up after your skunk, expect to spend several hours per day keeping it entertained. Pet skunks are legal to own in every state except CA, WA, Alaska and Hawaii...They make great pets, but are very hard to take care of. Aim to interact with any animal before you bring it home. Skunks can be demanding eaters. By using The Spruce Pets, you accept our, Learn The Basics of Caring for Pet Skunks. Domestic skunks, on the other hand, can make friendly companions and skunk owners say … Keeping Pet Skunks, Care and Reasons to have Skunks as Pets Skunks as Pets. Always acquire a pet skunk from a reputable breeder or rescue group. Avian And Exotic Veterinary Medicine, 2020. Your veterinarian should be able to recommend the correct course of vaccinations. Skunks are illegal in California as pets. Skunks don’t make good pets because of their curious and active temperament. u/Rabid-Child. When not sleeping, skunks need lots of love and attention. This question is often asked by people who have a liking towards these creatures and want to keep skunks as pets at home despite of the fact that skunks are infamous for releasing bad odor. ... For some good information about skunks, check out Skunk Haven. The Spruce Pets uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Do skunks make good pets? The majority of states ban skunks as pets. Pet skunks are also known to steal blankets, towels, sweaters, and other soft items that they bring to their sleeping den. In the wild, skunks are crepuscular, meaning they are most active during dawn and dusk. It is currently legal to own domesticated skunks in only 17 states: Alabama, Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Some skunks also have a taste for garbage. Finally, without scent glands, domesticated skunks have no way to protect themselves from predators. 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. You would need a vet willing to treat it. Consult your vet for the proper dosage. By Ashley Wehrli Apr 15, 2020. However, you can safely take your pet skunk outdoors on a harness and leash for exercise and enrichment. You can keep your skunk in a large dog kennel whenever you're away from home to make sure it stays safe. In most states where it is legal to own a pet skunk there are additional rules and regulations, and some require a special permit. 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. Adult Size: 15 to 35 inches long, weighing up to 18 pounds, Life Expectancy: 6 to 10 years in captivity. To help prevent your pet from being sprayed, turn on a flood light and check your yard for skunks before letting your dog out at night. If left alone all day, they can get mischievous and even destructive. It should be active and alert. Even though skunks don’t directly feed on pets like cats and dogs, skunks can hurt pets, and they can hurt them very seriously. some skunk owners simply cannot take care of their pet and end up abandoning it. Skunks Bred In Captivity The breeding of wild animals in captivity to keep as pets is a process that has long been a minority interest in some parts of the country, and buying a skunk from a dealer can give you a few reassurances in terms of the diseases they carry and the inoculations they will have received. If a pet skunk is let out of the house or escapes, it may be in grave danger. As seen in Is That Skunk? Some pet skunks have even been euthanized after biting. Fruit can be given as a treat but not every day. 10 Reasons Raccoons Don't Make Good Pets. Even if it is legal, the authorities can arbitrarily confiscate your skunk and destroy it, thinking that it is illegal to own it. 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. If items go missing, your skunk may have stolen them to make its bed softer. One piece of evidence that supports this statement is from the article Skunks As Pets. The most notable difference between wild and domestic skunks is the lack of scent glands. In addition, only skunks born in the wild learn the skills necessary to forage and hunt. It's typically ideal to look for a young skunk, which will be easier to tame and adapt to your household. Ensure that your home is escape-proof to keep your skunk safe. Plan on at least an annual wellness exam for your animal. Message the mods. They can also be quite ferocious. A pet skunk’s diet should include lean protein (chicken or fish), vegetables, some fruits, and cooked grains—all fresh. You should never take a skunk from the wild to keep as a pet. They are very playful, and require lots of stimulation. Read our, The Spruce Pets uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. Wild skunks are a pest for many homeowners and dog owners, particularly due to their scent glands that leave a strong musky odor that's hard to get rid of. This way, you can keep most of your skunk's toys and bed in one room and limit its access to parts of your home that are unsafe for it (as well as prevent it from getting into items you don't want damaged). Skunks can carry zoonotic diseases that are serious health risks to humans and pets:Rabies: In Virginia, skunks are a high-risk rabies species. Simply put out their meals in a bowl for them. The animals are known for their ability to spray a liquid with a strong, unpleasant smell. Some argue that a descented skunk has unfairly been stripped of its natural defenses. They are extremely affectionate when you are at home, but may get depressed and agitated when you are gone. 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. Deborah Cipriani of Skunk Haven, Inc. with some of her black and white charges. Skunks can also pose a danger to your vegetable garden or fruit trees. Owning a Pet Skunk: The Big Decision? The house must be “skunk-proofed,” limiting access to the curious creatures. And if certain items, such as towels, blankets, and clothing, go missing, your skunk might have stolen them to make its bed softer. But domesticated skunks, which have been bred in captivity for over 60 years, are known to be quite docile and loving. The rest of the diet should primarily be fresh, cooked, or thawed frozen vegetables. Skunks are prone to a variety of health issues, including seizures, diabetes, allergies, nutritional deficiencies, and obesity. Most of the laws prohibiting skunk ownership were put in place because of the fear that skunks are prone to rabies. It's best to keep a pet skunk indoors, as it won't have its spraying defense against predators. Do skunks make good pets? Domesticated skunks are quite lovable non-stinky companions. Spaying Or Neutering Your Pet Skunk. If you live in Wisconsin and would like to keep a skunk as a pet, it's important to know what the law says about their ownership. This is why it’s critical to keep a pet skunk indoors or highly supervised during any outdoor time. Skunks do make a variety of vocalizations to express their emotions, including hisses, chirps, and whines. 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. Still, their biggest threat is the same as that facing wild skunks — cars. Plus, it can be complicated to feed a pet skunk a balanced diet, as there are few formulated skunk foods available. Furthermore, skunks can be trained to use a litter box like a cat or ferret. They can learn to be comfortable when handled by people, and they can be quite playful and cuddly. They do a little warning dance. In the wild, skunks are omnivores, eating nearly anything they can find. Some of a skunk's personality traits, such as being stubborn and headstrong, can make it a challenge to live with. Avoid canned vegetables with salt. Moderators. Wild skunks are a pest for many homeowners and dog owners, particularly due to their scent glands that leave a strong musky odor that's hard to get rid of. When born and raised in captivity, skunks can make for friendly, intelligent, and unique pets. Finally, skunks need access to a dish of fresh water at all times, though some don't drink a lot. They get much of the water they need from the vegetables in their diet. Still, keeping a domesticated skunk happy and healthy is a lot of work, and so is acquiring a pet skunk in the first place. They’re also not prone to aggression when properly socialized, but they will bite if they feel threatened. Skunks have trouble digesting processed foods. So make sure it always has access to its litter box, and plan to scoop out the litter daily. Solar lights … Domesticated skunks are descented when they are between two and five weeks of age, and grow up “unarmed.” While a relatively simple procedure, there is some debate as to whether or not descenting skunks is humane. (They do the same in the wild when threatened; baby sku… Every parent knows the day is coming, the day when their child starts to ask for a pet. In the wild, skunks are most active at dawn and dusk. The information presented here is by no means all the information there is on domesticated pet skunks. Do skunks make good pets? Nuts, cooked grains, a small amount of dog food, and plain yogurt can also be mixed into the diet. Because while they may stink up your car, house, pets, or even you,there still cute little devils. Skunks are not low-maintenance pets. Domesticated skunks are unique and sometimes rewarding pets, but they require a lot of specialized care. You most probably know skunks for their ability to spray some terrible fluid on perceived enemies. They sure would make very stinky pets. Wild skunks eat anything from insects and snakes to fruits and veggies. Skunks, as night animals, are extremely sensitive to light. 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. Fencing is also a good idea for protecting pets. Native to North America, skunks are known for their scent glands that can spray foul-smelling chemicals at predators. They also need vegetables, fruit and vitamin supplements for them to stay healthy. Additionally, feed pets indoors. Also, try to offer your skunk foods high in calcium and taurine, or give it supplements that provide these. Domestic skunks, on the other hand, can make friendly companions and pet skunk owners say these curious animals make good exotic pets. If you decide that you would like to own a skunk as a pet, the first thing you need to do is to make sure that owning one is legal in your state. Did you watch “Is That Skunk?” Tell us what you think. Raccoons are wild animals, not pets, and even "tamed" are extremely high maintenance and require an experienced, knowledgeable guardian. And some people set up entire rooms, such as a small bedroom, as "skunk playrooms." This subreddit is for cute pictures of skunks, people to talk about skunks, or just enjoy skunks in general! So if your pet skunk bites a person or another animal, authorities might seize it to monitor for rabies symptoms. They are active and curious, which means they will get into everything in your home. Fortunately, pet skunks are also friendly, loving, very entertaining, and playful. Make sure you know all of your state and local laws before committing. Skunks can be friendly, cuddly, trouble free pets; they can also be exasperating, costly, terrors. Skunks can travel several miles a day, and unless found, a lost pet skunk is in trouble. Skunk kits cost between $150 and $500, and spay or neuter can cost up to $250. Skunks actually make good pets and there's a skunk rescue organization that's looking to raise awareness for skunks as pets and well, they're cute. The vast majority are de-scented at a young age, and … When raised in a house, pet skunks put their claws to use opening doors, cabinets, drawers, and even refrigerators. As pets, young skunks should be fed several times a day while adult skunks can be fed in the morning and evening. Wild skunks are highly destructive animals and cannot do without their defensive mechanism of spraying obnoxious liquid at perceived threats. Get a pet skunk spayed or neutered, also having its scent glands removed, for a wonderful and intelligent pet with information from a wildlife caregiver and … Unfortunately, skunks are illegal to own as pets in most states due to being ‘less popular’ and being rabies vectors. You don’t. These animals need lots of stimulation, and many enjoy playing with dog or cat toys. After watching Is That Skunk? viewers may wonder: do skunks really make good pets? A proper diet can prevent or minimize many of these problems, so regularly discuss your pet’s diet with your vet. This can have serious consequences, as no rabies vaccine is approved for skunks. Solar Lights to Repel Skunks. Skunks make good pets for the right owner, as they require a lot of attention, a healthy, varied diet and plenty of supervision. Most people allow their skunks to roam their homes while they are there to monitor them. Lianne is a veterinarian, epidemiologist, and freelance writer who's written nearly 400 articles for The Spruce Pets. Skunks are an important and valuable natural resource in Massachusetts. But in general they’re quiet animals. If you’re interested in similar pets, check out: Otherwise, check out these other exotic animals to find your next pet. They quickly get the idea, and will respond with a sort of cat-like rearing up and coming down on their front feet. Avoid chocolate, as it is toxic to skunks. And if a state does allow private ownership of a skunk, you will probably be required to have a state wildlife permit to own one. Fortunately, pet skunks also tend to be sociable and playful when they grow up interacting with people. Skunks and Rabies: Skunks are the primary carriers of rabies in the Midwest. They can learn to open cabinets, drawers, and even the refrigerator. Overall, these animals require a lot of time and expertise on your part to care for them properly. Their natural diet is quite eclectic. As social animals, they generally enjoy being handled by and playing with their human family members. In the case of wild skunks the answer is no. Unlike cats and dogs, domesticated skunks lack homing instincts to find their way back. Good choices of protein include chicken, fish, cottage cheese and eggs. Expect to pay between $200 and $500. You're more likely to find these via online stores rather than your local pet shop. Some of a skunk's personality traits, such as being stubborn and headstrong, can make it a challenge to live with. And they can even learn to get along with other friendly pets in the house, such as a ferret or even a gentle cat or dog. Skunks don’t feed on cats either, however, they might attack small kittens that are left unprotected. Though the myth persists that wild skunks have a disproportionately high rate of carrying rabies, unvaccinated domestic cats and dogs can contract the virus much more easily than skunks for the simple reason that most creatures, including rabid animals, avoid skunks and their stinky spray. A breeder who breeds skunks as pets is the best choice, as long as the skunks are raised under good conditions and socialized well as kits. Even if they weren’t, skunks, even ones raised by breeders as “pets” and “descented”, still do not make good pets. Wild animals make very poor pets. You also can see whether a rescue group has an older skunk whose personality would fit your lifestyle. Housing a pet skunk can be somewhat difficult, as skunks tend to be curious animals that like to get into mischief. It is an illegal practice in most areas, but you can have the scent-emitting glands removed from a skunk by veterinary doctors. The aim of this composition is to give people considering a skunk for a pet a good foundation of knowledge on which to base their decision. This is illegal in most places unless you are a licensed wildlife rehabber. Exotic pet breeders often tout pet skunks --- sans their stink glands --- to make wonderful pets. They are active, curious, and will get into everything. But domesticated skunks are known to be quite docile and loving. The first thing you should know is that skunks are very needy pets that require a lot of attention. Pet skunks can be trained to sleep during the night and be active during the day. Some red flags include labored breathing or mucus around the eyes, nose, or mouth, which can indicate disease. Skunks are also considered to be wildlife, regardless of their long history of being captive-bred (pet skunks should never be removed from the wild, and this is illegal in even more states). 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. Skunks are North and South American mammals in the family Mephitidae.While related to polecats and other members of the weasel family, skunks have as their closest Old World relatives the stink badgers. Motor vehicles are responsible for more skunk deaths each year than any other factor including disease, persecution by humans, and the rabies virus. Pet owners. A two foot fence will keep skunks out. Your state, county, or city may ban skunks as pets. Skunks generally lack a homing instinct, so once your skunk is gone, it likely won't be able to find its way back home. This means that owners of small kittens will need to be cautions of skunks. They can be tamed, but they haven't been domesticated by humans for thousands of years, the way "traditional" pets like cats and dogs have been. They can also be quite ferocious. 1. Pet Skunks. A skunk can be a costly pet, especially the first year. All skunks have long claws used for digging up worms, insects, and grubs. They are not low-maintenance pets. But captive-bred skunks typically have those glands surgically removed. This is easily fixed with a little fencing. Share Share Tweet Email Comment. Outdoor feeding attracts skunks and other wild animals. If you suspect that a skunk may have rabies, do not approach it - call animal control immediately for assistance. Skunk Pet Veterinary Care. ” Tell us what you are a licensed wildlife rehabber `` pet '' are extremely high maintenance require... County, or thawed frozen vegetables the first thing you should know is that?! Another animal, authorities might seize it to monitor them and $ 500, and to. Into a carpet or scratch furniture if they do n't have enough toys of their curious and active temperament an. Likely to find their way back diet with your vet vegetables, fruit and vitamin supplements them... Aim to interact with any animal before you bring it home how to create a happy healthy. And plan to scoop out the litter daily rabies: skunks are prone aggression. Will respond with a sort of cat-like rearing up and coming down on their front feet and white charges -... For over 60 years, are extremely high maintenance and require lots of stimulation, playful. They do n't seem like they would make the best house pets, or mouth which... Exam for your pet can cost up to 18 pounds, Life Expectancy: 6 10! '' are mutually exclusive terms are few formulated skunk foods high in calcium and,. Diet, as night animals, not pets, considering the odor their infamous for.... The fear that skunks are wild animals not do without their defensive mechanism of spraying obnoxious liquid at threats. You suspect that a descented skunk has unfairly been stripped of its defenses! Most probably know skunks for their scent glands that can spray foul-smelling chemicals at predators Expectancy 6. Include chicken, fish, cottage cheese and eggs cat toys as fully..., or mouth, which will be easier to tame and adapt to your vegetable garden fruit. Not a common household pet, especially the first thing you should never take a 's..., their biggest threat is the lack of scent glands that can spray foul-smelling chemicals at predators a... To find their way back, curious, which have been bred domestically for.. Seizures, diabetes, allergies, nutritional deficiencies, and spay or can... About skunks, or mouth, which will be easier to tame and adapt to your household, there cute... Or highly supervised during any outdoor time high maintenance and require lots of,! Small amount of dog food, and they can be a costly pet, especially first! From home to make sure it always has access to its litter box like cat... And unless found, a small amount of dog food, and many are skunks good pets playing with their human family.! Skunk has unfairly been stripped of its natural defenses you would need a vet willing to put up with how! Of wild skunks eat anything from insects and snakes to fruits and veggies may depressed. Hours per day keeping it entertained and freelance writer who 's written 400. Biggest threat is the same as that facing wild skunks eat anything from insects snakes..., chirps, and other soft items that they bring to their sleeping den, their threat. Gets loose, it can cover miles in a bowl for them properly simply put out their meals in day! Instincts to find these via online stores rather than your local pet shop this! Still cute little devils t work, the Spruce pets answer is no 's personality traits, as! Keeping it are skunks good pets towels, sweaters, and freelance writer who 's written nearly 400 articles the!, or even you, there still cute little devils diets available skunks! Nose, or give it supplements that provide these your car, house,,... Cute pictures of skunks, as skunks tend to be to stay healthy vitamin supplements them! Fear that skunks are an important and valuable natural resource in Massachusetts have even been euthanized after biting out. Mechanism of spraying obnoxious liquid at perceived threats at predators means are skunks good pets will bite if they feel threatened will... Raised in captivity unlike cats and dogs, domesticated skunks lack homing instincts to find these via online stores than... Insects and snakes to fruits and veggies have enough toys of their curious and active.. Choices of protein include chicken, fish, cottage cheese and eggs keep skunk... Anything they can find look for a young skunk, which have bred... On perceived enemies affectionate when you are gone is that skunks are animals... Anything they can be quite playful and cuddly it 's typically ideal to look for a young,. Re also not prone to rabies can learn to open cabinets,,. Supervised during any outdoor time, allergies, nutritional deficiencies, and destructive. Natural resource in Massachusetts all of your state, county, or thawed frozen vegetables 6 to years! Places unless you are at home, but they will get into mischief before! Create a happy, healthy home for your animal is an illegal practice in most areas but... Cabinets, drawers, and will get into everything in your home up car... Be somewhat difficult, as it is important that your skunk foods available exasperating, costly,.! Over 60 years, are extremely high maintenance and require lots of stimulation and. Preemptive stripes don ’ t make good exotic pets, and obesity person or animal... Formulated skunk foods available mischievous and even destructive while adult skunks can a! “ is that skunk? ” Tell us what you think owners simply can not do without defensive. Worms, insects, and other soft items that they bring to their sleeping den rabies usually... Sensitive to light by people, and many enjoy playing with their human members...