Fennec Fox as a Pet

If you can imagine a fox as your pet, then the fennec fox is the best option. But wait, don't expect a wild animal with cunning looks. This fox (Vulpes zerda) is the smallest of all foxes (also the smallest species of the Canidae family) and sports cute looks. They are the only species of fox, which are raised as pets and you may need a license to keep a fennec fox as a pet. They belong to the genus Vulpes and family Canidae, that consists of wolves, foxes, jackals, coyotes, and the domestic dog. They are nocturnal animals, which are very small in size, when compared to the conventional fox. These foxes are usually found in some regions of the Sahara Desert and the Arabian peninsula. Their unique physical features are actually adaptations that help them live in desert conditions. It may be due to these features that this fox got noticed as an exotic pet.

Fennec Fox Facts

Now, you know that these fixes are small nocturnal desert animals that are also raised as pets. One of the unique features of this fox are its large ears, which is really a fennec fox adaptation that helps this animal live in the desert.

Physical Features

Fennec foxes are usually small in size. They have a body weight that ranges between 0.7 to 1.6 kilograms. Their body length varies between 20 to 40 centimeters and most of them are around twenty centimeters tall. It has been observed that the tail of this animal has a length that amounts to three quarters of its body length. The distinctive feature of this animal - its long ears, can grow up to 15 centimeters in length. The fennec fox has a dense coat, which is usually creamy golden in color (the tail tip is usually black) and this coat helps the animal to ward off heat during daytime, but keeps it warm during the night chills. Another adaptation is the numerous blood vessels located close to the skin in its large ears, which helps them to dissipate heat. These ears are very sensitive and enable the fox to hear minute sounds produced by underground prey. Even the soles of their feet are covered with dense fur, so as to protect them from the hot desert sand. Unlike other foxes, fennec foxes do not have that strong body odor.

Diet

Unlike most other fox species, they live in groups. They dig dens in the sand and each den is interlinked with the dens of other fennec fox families. Unlike other fox species, fennec foxes are not solitary, but, are found in groups, especially families. As far as the diet of these foxes is concerned, they are nocturnal, omnivorous animals, that feed on insects, rodents, small birds, eggs and reptiles. Some of them are found to consume plants and fruits too. They have the ability to jump to a height of up to 60 centimeters and this helps them in catching prey or escaping predators. They can survive with very little water and the main source of water is only food. This does not mean that these animals do not drink water. Their kidneys are adapted to this restricted water consumption. These animals reach sexual maturity at around eleven to twelve months of age and the mating season is from January to February, with the young being born between March to July. Breeding happens once every year.

Fennec Fox as a Pet

This fox is the only fox species which is raised as pets, that too as an exotic pet. This animal has some resemblance to chihuahua dogs, which is a dog breed that is closely related to wolves. They are social animals that can tolerate strangers and other pets. Apart from that, being highly energetic, fennec foxes need outlets for their energy. So, provide them with toys and other materials to play. Even though, they are wild in origin, they can be tamed and socialized as a good and well-mannered pet. However, owners of these animals have to be highly cautious while taking them out for walks on a leash, as they are very active and have a tendency to escape. This is applicable for kennels too, which have to be protected from all sides, because these animals are very agile and are smart climbers. They can even dig tunnels and escape. Any good quality cat or dog food will do for a fennec fox, but, wild canid diets are considered to be the best. You may also feed them with pinkie mice, mealworms, fresh vegetables and fruits, eggs and crickets.

You can adopt a pet from any reputable fennec fox breeder. However, if you have any plan for keeping a fennec fox pet, inquire about the state law about the subject, because raising these animals as pets, is banned in some regions.