Owning A Skunk as a pet?

Question

Hello, I am considering buying a captive bred skunk as a pet. I have done some preliminary research, so please don't just tell me that I don't know what I am talking about. I just want some good information about owning a skunk and the best place to get them. Any personal pet-skunk experiences would be highly useful.
Thanks

Answer 1

Skunks can be AWESOME!!! I had one for several years. He was great. But, you really need to ignore what the petshop people tell you about feeding him. Check out skunk websites to get a proper menu for feeding them. A huge problem with skunk owners is obese skunks. They should be fed a high calcium diet with cottage cheese, yogurt, veggies and a small ammount of protein. Do not feed your skunk cat or dog food. These are way too high in protein and will cause your skunk to get very fat and have a shortened life span. My skunk, Goblin, lived cage free, but you should check your states rules on that. He was litter trained but that took as much time as outside training a puppy. He would wake me up in the morning by pulling off my comforter so I would feed him. They are like a cross between a cat and a ferret. Most pet skunks already come pre-descented. Make sure you spay or neuter your skunk as this will make them much much happier and nicer. Goblin took a while to warm up to new people, but if they fed him he would be their friend forever. Skunks can really have a food problem. They will eat until they get sick. Goblin once at a one pound box of the gummy candy Dots, and he pooped rainbow for a week. They are clever and inquisitive, so child proof any cabinets that they can reach. They don't have hands, but their front paws can open anything a toddler could. Goblin also liked to unroll our toilet paper. He love to play. Skunks like to chase you and be chased by you. They have huge canines, so it is important to be very firm with them when they are babies to not nip. Goblin started out sleeping all day, but as he settled into my home he started sleeping more during the night and really interacted with me a lot during the day. He also got along with my dogs, but if you have dogs be careful when introducing them. My dogs were very gentle and were used to different types of animals since I did a lot of wildlife rehab and they spent time with raccoons, owls, ferretts and other small critters. Skunks can live for more than 10 years if fed properly. They are awesome pets, they just take a lot of work if you plan on potty training them and their diet requires you to pretty much make their meals every day or a few times a week. There is no "skunk food" commercially sold. I wouldn't dissuade anyone from owning a skunk, but please do a lot of research before you buy because they are a lot more work than a dog or cat. Goblin was one of my most favorite pets that I have ever had and made me and lots of other people laugh. Its fun to drive around in your car with a skunk curled around your shoulder. People look at you funny!!!

Answer 2

One of my dog's best friends is actually a skunk. Someone that lives a few houses down from us owns one and takes it for walks, first time we crossed paths on the street and they asked if the dog could be sniffed I didn't even realize that's what it was until they were playing like my dog does with my guinea pigs (but clearly a skunk is bigger).

From what I've seen of Peepy he's a great pet, wouldn't own a skunk myself but they are wonderful little guys when they're captive bred. I was told however that he tends to get into more trouble then most animals however does use a littler box just like a cat or a ferret would. The only main thing is make sure that whatever city you live in allows them and do everything with permits that you have to before you buy your little guy.

Good luck!

Answer 3

Skunks are nocturnal but do make nice pets as long as the scent glands have been removed. Look on line to search for captive bred. I know they are available but you should check state, county, city law first to see what laws apply.

Answer 4

First, you need to make sure that it is legal to own them where you live. I talked to a man who owned some last summer and he said that feeding them is a bit expensive because they fed them only fresh fruits and vegetables. He said that they are a lot like a cat and that they sleep most of the day. A good place to get one would be rescue or breeder but I think that a breeder would be your best bet. You'll have to do some research to find one near you. Good luck getting and owning a striped friend!

Answer 5

I have not had a pet skunk, nor do I know anyone that has had a PET skunk. But I do have a friend that has wild ones running around (and under) her house (she lives in the country). They make the most awful smell! As I am sure that you know already, so my first word of advise to you is to have them desaced (or make sure they already are). They are very cute though.

Answer 6

A lot of times their glands that secrete the smell are cut out when they're little so that they can't spray you. I think that they're cute, and I'm sure that it'll make a great pet.

Answer 7

From what I hear, they can be quite comical as pets. They get lively at night & sleep during the day.

Answer 8

So cute.
I knew someone who had one and it was descented.
It reminded me of a cat the way it would follow its owner around the house.
Makes a different kind of noise too.
This was in New Jersey.

Answer 9

I can't tell you much about where to get one...but my mom had one once...and it was wild...many people say you should de-scent them, but she did not do this to hers. I would recommend it if there are other animals around your house, but if there's not going to be many "scares", then I wouldn't de-scent....my mom didn't and hers did just fine. She told me it's just like having a cat...that's exactly how they act...always want to cuddle.

Answer 10

Go Catch You One