My Pet Skunk and Weird Skunk Facts

A glossy black fur ball with a big jazzy splash of white fur running from head to tail: My pet skunk, if I get one, will be cute and exotic. Skunks certainly are the lookers in the weasel family, and they love to be complimented. (So I've learned.) And surprise, they're cuddly. Get your pet skunk accustomed to being picked up and held early on. Do not isolate it or cage it! It will just turn mean. Let Pierre Le Peue wander around, snuggle, and play.

But Don't Skunks Stink?

Well yes skunks stink, if you trap a wild one in the forest. You don't want to do that. You want a healthy bred-in-captivity pet skunk that has been de-scented in infancy (had scent glands removed), and also spayed or neutered as early as 4 months old. Then you will have a delightful furry pet who won't stink up the place every time it gets nervous. Note: Practical jokes using pet skunks may seem irresistible, but try not to give in to the urge to name your skunk "Stinky" and torment your friends by warning them not to antagonize it, or else "P.U." Don't let Junior take Skunky to show and tell and threaten the kids that it will "stink all over them." Do warn children that skunks in the wild will spray, bite, and have rabies. There are no rabies vaccines skunks can tolerate, so yours must live a cloistered life, and have periodic medical check ups at a vet who is skunk-savvy.

Weird Skunk Fact: Pet Skunks Will Eat Themselves Sick (and Fat.)

You do have to curtail your pet skunk's diet and not provide an all-you-can-eat buffet. Skunks are rather sedentary, and will grow obese if given the chance. Do not give them cat food, as it is too high in fat and protein for them, and will cause liver damage over time-- they can't metabolize it. Try a variety of vegetables, and some chicken or tuna mixed with a little dry dog food. One piece of fruit is good (no not a whole watermelon), a little yogurt or cottage cheese, vitamins and minerals. Mary Kaye Ashley, in her Comprehensive Guide to Raising a Pet Skunk, recommends "Skunkie Delight," a special mix of millet. turkey, eggs, veggie oil and vitamins and minerals. Your skunk should only weigh 8 to 12 pounds, and can live 8 to 12 years if kept healthy and trim. Of course, always provide clean, fresh water for drinking.

Weird Skunk Fact: Pet Skunks May Not Be Into Aerobics

Skunks need entertainment-exercise, but they do not mind being walked on a leash. They are very playful and funny, and will love it if you play tug of war, chase the ball, chase the skunk, or anything else you dream up. They will play with your other pets too. And also your children, who need to be taught to be calm, and not grabby and aggressive. You may have to have a heart-to-heart talk with your pet skunk about biting, however. If your baby skunk tries even playful nipping you must immediately say "No" and give it a time-out. No spanking, yelling or threatening behavior. Put it in the bathtub for a few minutes. (Empty of course.) Skunks are pretty savvy, do not like to be ostracized, and will get the message that biting is not pleasing behavior. They do want to please you and are quite sociable.

Pet Skunk Grooming and Shedding and Primping

Pet skunks mostly do their own grooming, but need a periodic bath. Introduce them to bathing as babies, and they will enjoy it. Use a gentle pet shampoo. White flakes mean your skunk has dry skin and is being bathed too often. Skunks shed twice a year, although not as much as a dog or cat would. As for primping, it's well known that skunks are vain.

Weird Skunk Fact: Pet Skunks Know How to Open Cabinets

Fifi La Skunk may be found in the laundry basket, inside the dryer if the door was left open, rooting in the trash, and getting into the cabinets, because Fifi knows no fear. She must be protected from herself by skunkproofing the house with child locks. Remember, Fifi is strong and well able to open your cabinet doors. Let's just hope she doesn't figure out the refrigerator.

Sources:
Skunk Info.org
Finding a pet skunk

Further reading:
Mary Kay Ashley, Comprehensive Guide to Raising a Pet Skunk
B. J. Verts, The Biology of the Striped Skunk.

References:
American Domestic Skunk Association (ADSA),
Skunks As Pets (SAP)

http://www.skunk-info.org/petcare/petcare.htm