When born and raised in captivity, skunks can make for friendly, intelligent, and unique pets. They can learn to be comfortable when handled by people, and they can be quite playful and cuddly. Native to North America, skunks are known for their scent glands that can spray foul-smelling chemicals at predators.

Are pet skunks affectionate?

I am no trying to talk anyone out of getting a pet skunk; pet skunks are extremely affectionate, loving pets. They get on well with other animals in the house and are friendly with children. … If you do want a pet skunk, make sure you get one from an authorized dealer.

They spray their odor from a scent gland near their tail (I’m putting it mildly here) and otherwise smell no stronger than any other pet. … Pet skunks that were born and bred in captivity (as all legally obtained pet skunks are) often have their stink glands removed in a process called descenting.

Why skunks dont make good pets?

Skunks don’t make good pets because of their curious and active temperament. … If a skunk will get into your stuff they might steal some of your things too as it says in the same article, “And if certain items, such as towels, blankets, and clothing, go missing, your skunk might have stolen them to make its bed softer.”

A skunk can be a costly pet, especially the first year. Skunk kits cost between $150 and $500, and spay or neuter can cost up to $250. Add to that the costs for food, cage(s), litter boxes, bed(s), toys, daily diet supplements, and other costs. Verify that it is legal to own a pet skunk where you live.

Can you potty train a skunk?

LITTER BOX TRAINING: Skunks will naturally use a corner of a room/rooms to go potty in. The easiest way to train your skunk to use a litterbox is to set the litterbox in the corner they are going to naturally to use the restroom. They may choose more than one corner in your home.

Do skunks purr?

Skunk Identification You might hear them clicking, hissing, grunting, growling, purring, or screeching, especially when they are younger. Skunks also make tracks in dirt or mud that have five toes and long front nails. If they’ve sprayed recently, you’ll smell a foul, nauseating odor.

Do pet skunks need to be caged?

Yes, because skunks were made to move all day long. They cannot be housed in a cage for extended periods of time. If they are, they will become bored and can potentially develop health problems. They can become restless and aggressive if kept in a small area.

Do pet skunks shed?

Skunks once spayed or neutered have no body odor if healthy and fed a proper diet (no cat or dog food). Skunks shed their coats once or twice a year.

Are skunks intelligent?

Temperament. Skunks are sensitive, intelligent animals, and like all intelligent animals, temperament varies with each individual. In general, though, skunks have playful temperaments. Skunks tend to be highly curious and will open cupboards that are left unlocked.

How do you tame a skunk?

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What do you feed pet skunks?

Fresh, cooked or thawed frozen vegetables and occasional fruits, cooked poultry like chicken, and healthy foods made with grains, such as cereal, should all be fed. Nuts, cooked grains, a few pieces of dog food, and yogurt should also be mixed into the diet.

Do skunks get along with cats?

Skunks and cats get along very well. In fact, we have had reports from people that their neighbourhood skunk and their cats eat out of the same bowl in the barn. The only time when it can be a problem is when feral tom cats fight with skunks over territory.

How long does a skunk live?

Skunks typically live 3 years in the wild, 15 years in captivity. Skunk weights vary wildly, from 2.5 pounds to 15 pounds. The bushy tail can be up to 10 inches long. Skunks won’t spray in their own dens.

Are skunks hypoallergenic?

Many people who are allergic to cats and dogs have found that they are not allergic to skunks. However, skunks do produce a dander and some people have had allergic reactions to this. The best way to tell if you think you might be allergic is to visit someone who already has a skunk for a pet.

Do skunks bite?

Skunks have formidable teeth, and are capable of inflicting serious bite wounds. Since skunks use their odiferous defensive spray sparingly, they will frequently bite aggressors such as cats and dogs. These bites can transmit the deadly rabies virus.

Are male or female skunks better pets?

Is there any difference between males and females as far as pet potential? Sophie says, When choosing a skunk as a pet, both males and females are equally able to become loving, affectionate family members. A skunk’s personality is determined by different variables, not by their gender.

How much does it cost to remove a skunk scent gland?

Skunk removal ends up costing around $450 on average.

How big of a cage does a skunk need?

Buy a crate for your skunk. These crates are usually about 4 feet (1.2 m) deep, 3 feet (0.91 m) wide, and 4 feet (1.2 m) tall. The cage should be big enough to hold a bed, toys, and a litter box. Skunks naturally live in dens, so the crate will serve as its den.

Why do skunks run towards you?

Usually, skunks wander onto your property because they’ve built their nests nearby. Skunks commonly burrow beneath porches, decks, sheds, or openings around the perimeter of a home. The structure provides skunks with natural cover, which makes them feel more secure.

Are skunks vocal?

Though they’re typically quiet animals, skunks use sounds to communicate. If angry, they may squeal, growl, coo, or hiss. Pregnant or lactating females are known to be aggressive toward males, vocalizing and stamping their front feet.

Do skunks follow you?

Skunks are relatively docile and harmless animals who tend to mind their own business as long as they remain undisturbed. Generally, a healthy skunk will not chase you as skunks tend to avoid humans or animals that are larger than them. Use scent repellents to keep skunks away from you.

Are skunks smarter than cats?

“Skunks are way more affectionate and way smarter than cats.”

Are skunks aggressive?

It is important to remember that most skunks are not aggressive and won’t harm humans unless they are threatened, according to The Humane Society. Skunks are nocturnal and forage for food while most animals and humans sleep. Though you typically see skunks by themselves, they gather to mate.

What is the best exotic pet to have?

Do pet skunks hibernate?

While skunks do not hibernate, they do become significantly idler once temperatures begin to drop. During the winter, skunks mostly huddle in their dens for warmth.

What does a skunk smell like?

Skunk spray contains sulfur-based organic compounds called thiols. These compounds let off an immediate blast of acrid scent, reminiscent of rotten eggs. … Thioacetates remain dormant at first, but can morph into smell-producing thiols when they come into contact with water or humidity.

Do skunks and ferrets get along?

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Can you have a pet skunk in Texas?

Wildlife are Not Pets It is important to note that in Texas, as well as in most states, owning wildlife is illegal. … In Texas, these include skunks, raccoons, white-tailed deer, cottontails, jackrabbits and squirrels, among many others.

Can you have a pet skunk UK?

Skunks are nocturnal, and look for food at night while we sleep. It’s legal to keep skunks as pets in the UK however it is illegal to have the scent glands removed. Skunks are omnivores, which means they will eat meat and vegetation.

Are skunks blind?

Although skunks have very poor eyesight, they have excellent senses of smell and hearing.

How rare is a white skunk?

Despite what some said, all-white or albino skunks are “few and far between. They’re not a common occurrence,” Howe said. Howe said most of the skunks out there are more black than white. The average Central New York striped skunk, he said, is more black than white.

Do foxes make good pets?

The reality is they don’t make great pets, and in some states it is illegal to own one. Foxes are wild animals, meaning they have not been domesticated. Unlike other species like dogs and cats, which have been bred to live easily with people, foxes don’t do well as indoor animals.

Can you tame a baby skunk?

Wild baby skunks are still wild animals and just because someone brings one into their home doesn’t automatically make it safe, tame, or legal, even if it is an orphan. …

Do skunks like marshmallows?

We like to use a live trap that has been baited with foods that skunks can’t resist. Ideal skunk bait includes eggs, crispy bacon, cat food, chicken or turkey, canned tuna or sardines, peanut butter on bread, marshmallows, or any meat-based, oily foods with a strong odor.

What does skunk poop look like?

Skunk droppings look similar to those of a cat and are typically found in lawns and gardens. The waste is tubular, has blunt ends, and usually measures about a quarter to half an inch in diameter and one to two inches long. Skunk poop generally contains bits of undigested insects, berry seeds, fur, or feathers.

Do skunks eat bacon?

Like humans, skunks like bacon. Slightly burnt bacon that has been cooked to a crisp has a fatty odor that appeals to skunks.

Can skunks jump like a cat?

Skunks are scavengers, and they will gladly eat pet food. If you must feed your cat outside, either place the food on a table or other elevated surface ” skunks can’t climb and jump like cats can ” or bring it indoors as soon as kitty has finished eating.

Are skunks afraid of dogs?

Unlike most other wild animals, skunks are not as fearful of people and pets because they count on the threat of their stinky defense to keep them from being harassed. And you can have a smelly skunk encounter without going out in the woods, because skunks are quite happy to live among us.

What do skunks hate?

It may seem ironic, but skunks hate certain odors (as if they have room to judge). Citrus, ammonia, mothballs and predator urine (dog, coyote, etc) are three smells that can scare off skunks. If you use mothballs or ammonia-soaked cotton balls, be sure to keep them far away from children.

Are skunks good climbers?

The striped skunk is not a good climber. Although it can climb up wire mesh, fences, and boards, it seldom climbs trees ” the long nails are a definite handicap in climbing. The spotted skunk on the other hand, is an excellent climber, able to climb a tree with ease.

Can skunks swim?

Skunks do like to live in areas where they are relatively close to water sources, but they are creatures that will usually prefer to stay on dry land. However, it is worth noting that skunks do have the ability to swim, but they prefer to avoid it where possible.

Can skunks freeze to death?

If there was a group of, say, skunks that opted for a burrow somewhere that wasn’t deep enough, they could freeze to death. Or they could all succumb to respiratory infections, which is pretty common and easy to share in confined spaces.