Can skunks be domesticated?

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 make good house pets?

When born and raised in captivity, skunks can make for friendly, intelligent, and unique pets. They can learn to be comfortable when handled by people, and they 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.

Do Descented skunks still stink?

The telltale of a skunk’s presence is usually known only after the skunk has intentionally sprayed his scent to ward off a perceived threat. Among captive skunks, those who are de-scented have no odor to speak of, but a pet skunk in possession of his scent glands may release odor without meaning to.

Do domestic skunks spray?

Some large fur farms sell surplus skunks to pet stores. Skunks are probably best known for their ability to spray foul-smelling fluid as a defense against predators. The mercaptan-emitting scent glands are usually removed in pet skunks at about four weeks of age.

How do you adopt a skunk?

Perhaps the best way to find a skunk for adoption through a rescue association or a skunk breeder is to network with other skunk owners and ask for their recommendations. There are several email lists/groups that make this possible online.

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.

What’s the life expectancy of a skunk?

The average lifespan of striped skunks in the wild is 7 years. They can live up to 10 years in human care.

Do any animals eat skunks?

Coyotes, foxes, dogs, bobcats, mountain lions, badgers and big owls can all eat skunks but rarely do. Gehrt’s research shows that less than 5 percent of skunk mortality is caused by predators.

Why would a skunk not spray?

The skunk scent gland only holds a finite amount of the sulfur-like mixture and can take up to 10 days to regenerate and get back to full capacity. So you may be able to see just why skunks actually prefer NOT to spray. The spray is their only defense mechanism.

How much does a domesticated 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. Add to that the costs for food, cage(s), litter boxes, bed(s), toys, daily diet supplements, and other costs. Verify that it is legal to own a pet skunk where you live.

Do skunks make good pets?

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. Domestic skunks , on the other hand, can make friendly companions and skunk owners say they make good pets.

Is it safe to have a skunk as a pet?

Skunks are illegal to keep as pets in some areas so check with your local authorities to see if you can keep one in your home. If they are illegal where you live, don’t flout the law. The first time anyone complains about your pet it may be confiscated or euthanized.

How long do pet skunks live?

Most pet skunks live only about five years in captivity, but their natural life span in the wild should be at least 10 to 15 years.

Where can you buy a pet skunk?

In the United States, pet skunks can be purchased from licensed animal shelters, non-profit skunk educational organizations such as the American Domestic Skunk Association, Inc., or breeders with a permit from the U.S. Department of Agriculture ‘s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service .