Is A Skunk The Right Animal For You?

Skunks come in a variety of species, but the Striped Skunk (Mephitis mephitis), which can live 8 to 10 years with proper care, is the one that is most commonly kept as a pet.

This skunk is native to North America, where it leads a solitary lifestyle that includes sleeping in a secure den during the day and awakening at dusk to begin foraging for food.

Skunks are fundamentally still wild creatures, and while they can be trained to use a litter tray, they can get quickly frustrated in a domestic environment. Therefore, they will want a outdoor enclosure in which they can dig and behave like skunks.

They will require a lot of interaction, playtime, and socialisation. Additionally, anyone thinking about getting a skunk should be aware of the foul-smelling fluids that they spray when they are overly anxious, extremely terrified, or injured.

De-scenting a skunk is illegal in the UK.

Skunk Accommodation

Skunks are very active and destructive animals so should be housed in a large outdoor enclosure. These animals can however, be great escape artists so ensure their enclosure is well-secured. They can come in the house for attention or training but they shouldn’t be left unsupervised or locked at night when they are more active.

To prevent them from digging out, the enclosure should have a concrete base that is covered with soil and fresh bark. A few tree trunks and logs can be added for them to investigate and climb around. It must have a covered sleeping area, which can be a small dog kennel. To make it feel more like a burrow, you can bury part of the house beneath the bark and create a tunnel through the entrance.

It's crucial to provide these intelligent creatures lots of toys or training to keep them entertained, however, it's important to remember that many pet shop toys are quickly demolished by skunks, therefore only sturdy toys should be used.

Companions

Although skunks are not sociable animals in the wild, in captivity they like to have a friend around. You just need to make sure to get them very early on together or introduce them slowly.

What Skunks Eat

Skunks are omnivorous creatures that feed on berries, grasses, nuts, insects, as well as small mammals, birds, and reptiles in the wild. In order to ensure that they have a varied diet in captivity, they should be fed fresh fruit and vegetables, mealworms, morioworms, locusts, eggs, fish, chicks, rats, mice, and quail (a complete list of suitable fruits and vegetables can be found online).

Dry dog food is often recommended online, however this should not be used as it is bad for the coat and long-term health of the skunk.

Skunks need to be fed at least twice daily as adults.Since babies have a considerably quicker metabolism, they can eat four or five meals every day. Water needs to be constantly available and changed every day.

Vaccinations

No vaccines are licensed for use in skunks, but it is always best to seek veterinary advice for your individual pet, as dog and cat vaccines may be recommended in some situations. Some exotic vets will recommend the ferret distemper vaccine if the skunk is frequently taken outside or walked.

Parasites

Skunks are susceptible to fleas, mites and worms just like cats and dogs. Regular parasite treatment with dog or cat treatments may therefore be recommended.

Signs of Ill Health

A healthy skunk will be bright and alert with clear open eyes, ears and nostrils. Your skunk should also be keen to eat and drink, and pass faeces regularly.

In order to identify symptoms of illness early on, it's important to become familiar with your skunk's normal appearance, movement, and behaviour. You should keep an eye out for any changes in behaviour, weight, coat condition, breathing, or faeces passed, as well as any changes in appetite. Eye, nose, or mouth discharges are further symptoms of sickness. Any discharges or bleeding should be checked by your vet. Your vet should examine any limping, changes in grooming behaviour, or wounds.

If you have any concerns contact your vet as soon as possible.