A skunk might not seem like the most obvious pet. Most people associate these creatures with the pungent stench they release as a defense mechanism. It’s reasonable not to want this in your house! However, some people do keep pet skunks, and it’s fascinating to learn about them. They’re very cute animals despite their most notorious trait. In this guide, we’ll look at all you need to know about caring for pet skunks, from their diet and housing requirements to what to do about that awful stench!
1. Pet Skunks Generally Free Roam Indoors
Many people will assume they should keep a pet skunk in a hutch, like a rabbit. However, this isn’t the case. It’s more like keeping a pet dog or cat, where we allow them to roam through our homes. Pet skunk owners should allow their skunks access to several rooms so that they don’t get bored. They are very curious animals and enjoy exploring their surroundings.
However, it’s still worth keeping some kind of hutch or box for them to sleep in. They can retreat into this darker, covered space when they want to sleep or crave privacy. Keepers can put blankets inside for them to snuggle. The temperature is important because they’re vulnerable to the cold. We recommend an indoor temperature of 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, you should keep your skunk indoors because of the risk of inclement weather conditions and predators.
2. You Must Skunk-proof Your House
Skunks are very intelligent and suffer from boredom easily. This is one of the big risks of keeping these pets. Many experienced skunk owners compare them to having a toddler. They advise securing the doors of cabinets and cupboards because a curious skunk will open them. Skunks have articulated fingers (like raccoons), and they’re very intelligent. Use cable ties or child-proof locking mechanisms to prevent your skunk from going where you don’t want them. Remember, this is important for the skunk’s safety as well as your belongings! Skunks are most active at night, so this is something else to consider. It may be difficult to keep them quiet when you’re trying to sleep.
3. Skunks Have Tricky Dietary Requirements
One of the most complex aspects of keeping a pet skunk is ensuring that they have a healthy diet. Skunks can live up to 10 years in captivity with the right care. Many inexperienced skunk owners give them cat food. This is a bad decision because there’s too much protein and fat.
Also, avoid giving them anything you wouldn’t give to more conventional pets. Yes, a wild skunk might eat chocolate or fried foods from a trash can. But that doesn’t mean you should actively feed it to them. Instead, give them lean cooked chicken or eggs, as well as plenty of vegetables. Iron-rich leaves and chopped fruit slices are good options. Don’t overfeed your skunk because excessive weight gain can lead to health problems.
4. De-scenting a Pet Skunk Neutralizes Its Defenses
One of the main reasons why we don’t think of skunks as pets is because of their notorious scent. Skunks spray when they feel that something is threatening them. Some people keep skunks with their scent glands intact. This might be alright if you socialize them well from a young age. However, there’s always a risk that something could happen, and it’s very difficult to remove that stench from your house. Most people acquire de-scented skunks who have their scent glands removed at a young age. This is the best solution to the problem.
Skunks prefer running away instead of spraying, so avoid cornering them. It’s a last-ditch defense mechanism. This is even more important to remember if you have other pets in the home, particularly dogs. Skunks don’t automatically spray, either. They’ll stomp the ground, perform a handstand, and raise their tail first in a threatening posture. But there should be time to de-escalate the situation. Remember, they’ll do this when they’re playing too, so you must be able to contextualize the scenario. If you have a de-scented skunk, you won’t need to worry.
5. You May Need a Special Permit
It’s crucial to check your area’s legal requirements before you bring home a pet skunk. Yes, they are indigenous to the United States, but that doesn’t mean you can simply adopt one. Only a minority of states will allow you to keep a pet skunk. Also, you will almost definitely require some kind of wildlife permit.
It’s generally legal to keep skunks in 11 states, including Florida, New Jersey, and Michigan. However, in some cases, you can only keep captive-bred skunks or specific species, like the Eastern spotted skunk. Other varieties may have increased restrictions.
Remember to check your county’s ordinances, too, because they can vary, like in Wisconsin and Nevada. States including California, New York, and Connecticut have blanket bans on pet skunks.
Some people may rescue an injured skunk or an abandoned baby with good intentions. Nonetheless, it’s essential to give it to a wildlife rescue agency. You may face severe fines if you illegally keep a pet skunk. Also, a vet will not return the skunk if it requires medical attention. Owners can claim they rescued it, but it’s a risk that we don’t recommend.
6. Skunks Are Not Beginner Pets
We don’t recommend that inexperienced pet owners acquire skunks. They require plenty of attention and care. Skunks are intelligent, and carers can potty-train them. Some owners even take their skunks for walks on a leash. However, it’s crucial not to overheat them because this can have severe health effects. Skunks are also notoriously willful and require plenty of mental stimulation.
Also, their dietary requirements make them tricky because it’s easy for something to go wrong. It’s highly unlikely you’ll be able to buy a specially formulated skunk diet from your local pet store. Also, an average veterinarian probably won’t have the experience or knowledge to treat a sick pet skunk. Furthermore, they have tricky grooming needs. You should regularly brush your skunk and occasionally wash it. They can be loving animals, but it’s not easy to care for them.
