Can skunks be pets?

It is currently legal to own domesticated skunks in only 17 states: Alabama, Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

Do skunks stink as pets?

Domesticated skunks are quite lovable, non-stinky companions. Wild skunks are a pest for many homeowners and dog owners, particularly due to their scent glands that leave a strong musky odor that's hard to get rid of. They can also be quite ferocious.

Can skunks be house trained?

Most skunks can be housebroken by corner training. After they choose a corner, a litter pan with unscented litter can be placed there. If the skunk misses the litter pan, after cleanup, the area should be saturated with plain white vinegar to remove the scent, so that they will not return to that spot.

How much does it cost to descent a skunk?

The smell of a dead skunk will quickly prompt you to hire a removal specialist, and you can expect to pay $150 to $250 for this service.

What is the lifespan of a skunk?

The average lifespan of a skunk in the wild is about 2–3 years, but they can live up to 15 years in captivity.

Do SKUNKS make good PETS?

How much does a skunk cost?

A skunk can be a costly pet, especially the first year. Skunk kits cost between $150 and $500, and spay or neuter can cost up to $250.

Are male or female skunks nicer?

Is there any difference between males and females as far as pet potential? Sophie says, When choosing a skunk as a pet, both males and females are equally able to become loving, affectionate family members. A skunk's personality is determined by different variables, not by their gender.

Do skunks get along with dogs?

Skunks can typically get along fine with animals that are about their size. For instance, ferrets often get along fine with them. Skunks won't try to hunt animals that are about their own size. Gentle, small dogs are often a good choice as well.

Are skunks good house pets?

When born and raised in captivity, skunks can make friendly, intelligent, and unique pets. They can learn to be comfortable when handled by people and can be quite playful and cuddly. Native to North America, skunks are known for their scent glands that can spray foul-smelling chemicals at predators.

What do I feed a skunk?

The diet of skunks in the wild consists of whole prey, insects, eggs and some fruit and vegetable matter. Skunks in zoos have been fed a variety of diets with success. We recommend a diet of 75% formulated diet (zoo omnivore, insectivore and low-fat high quality dog food) and 25% a variety of vegetables and fruits.

Do skunks bite?

Do skunks bite? Healthy skunks have the ability to bite but rarely do, instead if threatened they will use their main defense mechanism of spraying their victims.

Will a skunk fight a cat?

Skunks and cats get along very well. In fact, we have had reports from people that their neighbourhood skunk and their cats eat out of the same bowl in the barn. The only time when it can be a problem is when feral tom cats fight with skunks over territory.

Are skunks cats?

Skunks are mammals in the family Mephitidae. They are known for their ability to spray a liquid with a strong, unpleasant scent from their anal glands.

Are skunks blind or deaf?

Skunks are actually born blind and deaf, covered in only a soft layer of fur. Usually around three weeks after they are born, skunks will open their eyes.

What do you call a family of skunks?

A group of skunks are called a surfeit.

How do you raise a baby skunk?

Feed the baby skunk esbilac powder, mix only enough for 24hrs and keep it refrigerated. Esbilac is a puppy milk replacer, which you should be able to purchase at a vet or pet store. Cow's milk, human baby formulas, and most pet products (except Esbilac) are not suitable and will likely cause death.

What states allow skunks as pets?

Currently, a pet skunk is legal in 17 states. States that now allow pet skunks include Alabama, Indiana, Florida, Massachusetts, Iowa, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Michigan, Oklahoma, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Wyoming, Wisconsin, and South Dakota.

What is the best exotic pet?

Do skunks eat kittens?

Skunks don't feed on cats either, however, they might attack small kittens that are left unprotected. This means that owners of small kittens will need to be cautions of skunks. Even though skunks don't directly feed on pets like cats and dogs, skunks can hurt pets, and they can hurt them very seriously.

Will a pet skunk use a litter box?

Skunks are a house pet similar to an indoor house cat in that they will use a litter box. They do like to potty in a corner, so several litter boxes should be placed around you home until the skunk determines which corner he/she wants to use.

Can you give skunks a bath?

Bathing can be done occasionally (like, before skunk shows). Most skunks tolerate swimming and playing in water. Use ferret shampoo or a non-medicated dog shampoo if they have a musky smell. A good way to wash your skunk is to buy a sprayer hose that connects to the shower.

Do skunks meow?

Skunks are usually silent, but when they vocalize, a variety of sounds can be heard. Juveniles are often noisier than adults. Skunks will hiss, squeal, screech and whine when angry, whimper if frightened, grumble when upset, chirp for attention, smack their lips in contentment and stomp loudly to frighten away enemies.