| Spotted
Skunk
(Spilogale putorius)
Interview with Share
Bond
Positives of spotted skunks as education animals?
They are rare to ever see, and should be on the threatened list and very
beautiful. Important to show how comical they are and important to the
ecosystem and how the numbers are dwindling.
Negatives of spotted skunks as education animals?
Can't be taken out of display cage safely. They are squirrely and spastic.
Anecdotes/stories about your spotted skunk education
animals?
They can go up into a handstand while standing still. They can also run
on their front legs and spray in that position. They came from a litter
of four and their mother was killed by a bobcat in Tehachapi.
Do they have scent glands or an offensive smell?
These were descented and they are very musky smelling still. They have
scent glands just like the stripeds but can only spray high with their
butts pointed at the sky.
What is their average lifespan?
I'm not exactly sure, but probably as long as the striped skunk - 8 years
average.
Do they enjoy interaction?
I don't really think they like being held but don't mind playing or eating
out of my hand or running up and down my body. It's a bit of work trying
to catch them, but I think they think this is funny!
What is their general personality, disposition, and
attitude?
Hyper and spastic, silly, not afraid of anything.
Are they sweet and petable, or mischievious and playful?
Mischievous, playful. Hard to hold. When they were babies they would sleep
with me, but now.....NOT
How destructive are they for an average household?
They can get in tiny openings. They can squeeze into other cages that
have 1" x 2" openings. They will fly right by your hand in their door
opening and slip by you. Tough at the vet's office! They can climb up
onto anything and knock things down, but are lightfooted so not everything
gets knocked down.
Do they climb or tear up furniture?
They can climb just about anything even better than a cat because they
are light. My females are only about 3/4 lb. each. They don't tear up
furniture but may soil it.
Are there any problems associated with their claws?
They need to be trimmed but this is no easy feat (no pun intended!).
How messy are their droppings?
Depends on what they eat, but it is very musky smelling.
Can they be litter box trained?
I suppose but mine use the litter box sometimes, sleep in it sometimes
(probably why they need so many baths!!), poop elsewhere other times.
Can they be trained?
If one spent a lot of time with them and really knew what they were doing,
maybe.
How are they with other pets, larger and smaller?
They are vulnerable with larger predators if they are descented. They
may not know that they are defenseless so show no fear of other animals,
large or small.
What size cage do they need?
Even a large terraced ferret cage isn't big enough for them. They are
very high energy and run around crazily. I would say 4 x 4 x 4 ft. with
lots of stairs and enrichment items.
What do you feed them?
Crickets, mealworms, raw meat, cooked chicken, egg, fruit, vegetables,
whole grains and cereals.
What vaccinations/vet care do they require?
Canine vaccinations, same vet care as other exotics.
At what age would it be best to get one?
3 weeks of age, before the eyes open.
Other Consideration for owners of spotted skunks?
They should have their rabies prolaxis shots.
What kind of person should own these animals?
Wildlife rehabilitator/educator, zoo. |
