Skunks as Pets

Look at the picture, isn't that skunk cute? If you think that she is, you are the perfect candidate to keep skunks as pets. Contrary to popular belief, they actually make really good house pets and you'd be surprised at this as you read this article further. Having skunks as pets is not as strange as it sounds, as many families have kept them and never regretted it ever. Yet, when you think of having skunks as pets, do remember to check whether it is actually legal in your country to do so. But if it is legal in your country, you can get baby skunks as pets from registered skunk breeders or licensed animal shelters. Skunks are wild animals and having any wild animal as a pet is always a tricky job. Here is a lowdown on skunks as pets.

About Pet Skunks
Anything I say about these beautiful creatures is bound to be tinged with a lot of love. I am thoroughly biased towards these cute, cuddly, furry and warm creatures. Pet skunks are generally disarmed of their infamous protection mechanism. Their stink glands are normally removed when they are sold as pets. Yet, skunks only spray their offensive odor when threatened or injured (they do not have an inexhaustible supply of the foul smelling concoction and therefore have no choice but to use it wisely). But since the glands are removed anyways, considering skunks as pets becomes a much saner thought, don't you think?

When you consider skunks as pets, you need to first know what you are getting yourself into. Skunks are highly intelligent and being intelligent, they know the meanings of stubborn, hard-headed and obstinate. Each skunk comes with a personality of its own and all skunks typically know what they want and downright demand that they get it. They are physically stronger than their size makes everyone believe and so it is not wise to have playful wrestling matches with them. They can get into the most impossible of places in your house, ones that you probably didn't even know existed. So if you have lost a pet skunk, he can most likely be found in your laundry, inside your recliner or inside an unlocked closet. They are extremely loving and caring and will love nothing more than playing with you. Pet skunks are always entertaining as they get up to some really weird antics, like trying to dig up your flooring to find an ancestral hidden treasure and trying to climb into the smallest of places. With having skunks as pets comes a huge responsibility of keeping them safe. They are highly curious and curiosity often gets them into trouble, just like their cat sisters. Pet skunks are sensitive and require a lot of gentle, loving care, not unlike human babies. Read more on pet skunks.

Pet Skunk Care
You have taken up a really high maintenance pet if you have skunks as pets. All of the following will be expected of you when you have a pet skunk, so you better be prepared.

Skunk Food
Please do not feed your skunk any cat food for it will weaken its liver overtime, being very high in proteins and fat. Jane Bone's Skunk Brochure recommends a diet consisting of a mixture of vegetables, dry dog food, chicken and tuna fish. Pieces of fruit, cottage cheese, yogurt, breakfast cereal and wafer cookies can also be given occasionally. Generally, pet skunks should be fed 50% raw vegetables, 10% other whole foods and 40% of other omnivorous foods like millet, ground turkey, eggs, etc. A 24 hours supply of fresh, clean water is mandatory when you have a pet skunk.

Skunk Fitness
Skunks need plenty of exercise, fun, play and socializing. Do play with them everyday, be it a game of chase, stomp or tug-of-war. A ball will always come handy when you want to play with your pet skunk. Be firm on the no-biting instructions for it usually comes up in their normal play routines. Most skunks have an innate need to get along with you and are so easy to train on good behavior. They will stick to it, if you are firm and patient. No hitting or spanking if you do not want your pet skunk growing biter and vengeful. Generally, it is not needed either.

The more you hold your skunk, the more used to he will be and hence, more friendly towards humans. He has large canine incisors that can leave behind sharp puncture wounds even when inflicted playfully. So when you are on your hands and knees, playing with your pet skunk, make sure you have a toy between the two of you. They are perfectly safe when held in the arms and cuddled tightly. It is while playing that involuntary injuries can occur, so do be careful.

Skunk Care
No 'skunks as pets' article can be complete without tips on how to care for your house pet. When you have skunks as house pets, you will always have work on your hands, in the form of the following tasks:

• Obesity is a common problem with skunks, so regular exercising and regulating food is a must. Let me warn you, your wily skunk is sure to put on a woebegone face and come begging for more on his plate, with watery eyes and doleful looks, and you may have to firmly refuse filling up his bottomless pit of a stomach.
• Litter training is relatively easy with them though they are quite willful to start with. With patient instructions on the subject, a skunk is sure to learn fast.
• Skunks need to be neutered or spayed early, as early as just 4 months. They need annual check up and finding a knowledgeable vet for them can be one hell of a task.
• Though there are no approved vaccines for skunks, shots of Galaxy DA2PPvL+CV and Eclipse 4 must be given on a 'once a year' basis.
• Clear this common misconception and know that not all skunk bites carry rabies. Unfortunately, if your skunk bites someone and it gets reported he might be packed up and slaughtered in the name of testing by the Government. Make sure your skunk does not come into contact with any outside animals and that will keep him away from rabies.
• If you introduce your pet skunk to a bathing regime early in his life, he will adapt very well. Skunks love water and swim very well too so it should be no big deal giving regular baths to them. Skunks shed twice a year and the hair might just be your problem.
• Skunks are equipped with strong, long nails that come handy during digging. However, with pet skunks, you will have to get them trimmed regularly. Getting the trimming might require a lot of physical effort, on your part, not the skunk's.
• Regular worming and flea control is a must with pet skunks, with the care that skunks are usually more sensitive to both the treatments than cats and dogs.
• You will have to skunk proof your house and this means outsmarting your pet skunk. This may be more difficult than you think because skunks can think of the most unlikely places to push out through to freedom. Most skunks can open cabinets, drawers and even the refrigerator, protect yourself and them from these scenarios.
• Though they are mostly quiet, be prepared for noise if you have more than one skunk in your house or if you have other pets. The squealing takes getting used to. Do protect your skunks from obnoxious children (that get on my nerves too) if you have aggressive, pushy and grabby children in your house.

You will fondly remember the day you got your skunks as pets, when you are lounging on the sofa with a warm ball of fur snuggled up inside your t-shirt and another fur ball serving as your hot water bottle, on a cold winter night. You will also thank your stars when you have two pet skunks giving you the love to last a lifetime. It is something you can only imagine till you actually experience it.