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Gray
Fox Notes from Ronald Derr Gray fox can be socialized but don't make good house pets because the urine of all foxes is VERY strong, almost skunk like. Gray Fox urine isn't as strong as Red Fox urine but can still be unbearable. Your house will reek of this odor if you keep them indoors, even if litter train them which can be done, but is difficult. Foxes are neophobic, which means they are afraid of new things which presents another problem for their owners because when they become afraid of something or someone they may bite. You can't breed out thousands of years of evolution just because you have pen raised them. It took thousands of years to domesticate dogs and cats and they can still get aggressive. They are very skittish and nervous and do better outside. I have had very good success with both Grays and Reds when they are bottle fed early (as soon as their eyes open). They have remained very friendly but I keep them in kennels outside and interact with them there. They can live up to 10 years or more in captivity when taken care of properly. Vaccination for Grays have yet to be proven effective, but I vaccinate with the 7 in 1 canine vaccines anyway, and haven't had any problem with distemper, etc. I use the killed vaccines. All foxes can make nice, and very interesting pets under the right conditions but you must understand the nature of the animal, and not expect them to be like a domesticated dog, cause they are not. You must learn their language and respect them accordingly (as with ALL wild animals). The bigger the pen the better. 6 foot tall by 4 foot wide and 8 foot long is the minimum with a shelf 3 foot up that is as wide as the pen, and a nest box. A store bought kennel is ideal because you want to get in and play with your pet daily if you want them to remain friendly. Gray fox are climbers so put a tree in the pen if possible. A good dog food is fine, supplementing occasionally with raw meat (chicken, beef, venison, etc) anything they would get in the wild. Both reds and grays will eat certain fruits, experiment and you will figure out what your fox likes. Worm if necessary with a dog wormer because they can get round worm, etc. Only people properly trained and totally aware of what they are getting into should keep these or any wild animal as pets because they can be dangerous. You MUST have an intimate knowledge to qualify. Unlike the red fox, gray fox are very difficult to breed in captivity which is why you seldom see them as pets. It is my opinion that grays are a little friendlier and more trainable than the reds. Check your state laws before obtaining any exotic or you may regret it. They will take your pet and fine you if you are not legal. If raised with other pets when they are young they will interact nicely. |
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