by Stephanie Harris

Created on: November 22, 2011

How to Keep Skunks as Pets

The skunk may seem to be rather a strange animal to want as a pet, but as it is possible to have their scent glands removed when they are very young, by a breeder of pet skunks, it does start to sound less strange.

Before you start looking for a skunk breeder, there are a few things that need to be checked. First, does your country, state allow skunks to be kept as pets, there are an awful lot of states in America that do not allow skunks as pets due to the fact that they can carry rabies. Though, if your state does allow it, as long as you keep your skunk inside the house once you have it home from the breeder it will not be able to catch the disease.

Secondly, skunks are very clever little mammals, with a tendency towards cantankerous, contrary and downright awkward behaviour at times. All skunks are very individual, with their own wants and needs and woe betide the person who stubbornly refuses to give in. Think of your skunk as a very stubborn toddler help them to realise that what you want them to have is a much better and nicer idea than what they want. Much easier than shouting no.

These little individuals can also get into some of the most impossible, difficult for you to reach places. Inside chairs, under all kinds of different domestic appliances and into some of the smallest spaces at the back of cupboards, wardrobes and closets. Skunks are also very loving, caring and sociable animals; you will need to have plenty of time to play, exercise, train and cuddle your pet skunk. So, please, if you have not got plenty of time to invest in your new pet, do not even think of getting a skunk. You have no idea just what a bored and lonely skunk do.

Feeding your pet skunk is not like feeding a pet dog or cat, a skunk cannot eat dog or cat food only, in fact, cat food, which is a very high fat, high protein food, will damage a skunks liver. The best diet for a skunk is a varied diet of tuna fish or chicken, maybe a little ground turkey or cottage cheese, plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables with a mixture of different grains, even a little

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