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Striped
Skunk Interview with Michelle Pickerin Positives of skunks as pets: Negatives of skunks as pets Do they have scent glands or an offensive smell? What is their average lifespan? Do they enjoy interaction? What is their general personality, disposition, and
attitude? How destructive are they for an average household?
Are there any problems associated with their claws?
How messy are their droppings? Can they be litter box trained? How are they with other pets, larger and smaller?
What size cage do they need? What do you feed them? At what age would it be best to get one? What vaccinations/vet care do they require? Other Consideration for owners of skunks? About the author? Article By Wyndal T. Arnold We have our own skunk and I will tell you the story. But before I continue, let me warn you skunks are not for everyone. If you haven't been able to find a breeder, they may not be legal in that state. Also, skunks are not like cats in every sense. But if you match with an animal, it can be the best thing you have ever done for yourself. Skunks can be one person creatures. And if you do not get a baby, you may be sorry. Our skunk came to us. His mother and two siblings were killed on the road in front of our home here in Indiana. We went through hell trying to get a permit to keep it. A vet has to O.K them here in Indiana before you can get a permit, and a vet will not see the animal unless you have a permit. Catch 22. Lucky for us, we know someone in the right place. But after we took in the little guy, HE choose my wife as his owner. He was about dehydrated when he came here and was looking for water. Our washing machine dumps into our corn field and that was what he was smelling. It was a dry time and there wasn't much water around. I was coming in from the garden when I saw the skunk and did what any normal person would do. I got the gun and was going to scare him off. I didn't have my glasses on, so I thought he was full grown. After I shot in the air, he turned and came right for me. Then my boys brought me my glasses. I saw he was young and thought I would catch him in a bucket and then relocate him. After we got him in the bucket and he didn't spray, we talked about how small he was. He could fit in your hand. Fifteen minutes later we were feeding out of our hand without gloves on. They are not afraid even in the wild as babies. We washed him up and the rest is history. If we had turned him loose, he would have died. He was that young. Skunks live about 2 years in the wild, but can live up to 20 years as pets. Many people will advise you not to take a baby from the wild. But that is because of the rabies thing. Actually most skunks do not have rabies. But try to tell someone in government that. Even if you get a skunk, if it scratches or bites someone, the state health department will take your skunk and kill it, cut off its head and check its brain tissue for rabies. There is no vaccine approved for skunks in the U.S. But there is one in Canada. Go to http://www.aspenskunk.org/ to find out how others have had skunks lost to our crazy laws. It is a good resource. There is also a national contest where you can enter your skunk in a contest. But be very careful about where you take your pet. We show our skunk at the local school but are very careful about letting people pet him. You can take them out of the wild in some places. But most will advise against it. I plan to capture a family this spring. They are bothering a friend and he will kill them if I don't. Besides, I am hoping to get one for me, my wife's skunk doesn't care for me that much. But he is a joy to hold. ALWAYS make sure his shots are up to date. We have to get our license renewed every year, if we are late with his shots, the DNR will terminate our pet. Skunks litter train easy and if you have a male, better get him neutered. Males get horny and are rather aggressive when they mate. You can have him latch on to your leg and chew on you pretty good. Also, be very careful not to over feed them. We didn't at first, and he got so fat he could hardly walk. A skunk will literally eat themselves to death. If you feed them with a constant feeder like a rabbit, you might as well shoot it. When they play, it is always on their terms. And when they want to sleep they can get nasty. You can give them free run of the house, but they are strong and may clean out your pots and pans from the cupboard. Also, skunks are about blind. Very bad eye sight. They startle easy and yet they have such a good nose they can smell the color of paint with the lights out. If you put a small piece of cheese just out of reach, they will circle it for hours because they can smell it, but can't get to it. It is funny to watch. My wife hates it when I tease Victor (our skunk). But oh well, he doesn't like me anyway. He knows I hate him getting under my desk. Do guess where his favorite spot is? ..Yep, under the desk. So for Christmas this year, I bought him a child's gate to keep him out of my office. The little stinker knew exactly why I got it for him and for three days he would stomp at me every time I was near him. And he is a sneaky little cuss. If I forget to put it up, he will real careful like act as if he is not noticed, but when he gets the change to run under the desk, he's there. Also, the most frequently asked question you will get will be, is he de-musked (the correct term), de-skunked, de-bagged or something else that is stupid? Of course you had better because if you catch him in a sour mood, it will happen. The younger they are, the less they know how to control it. But let me tell you the best reason to own one. They are the most loving they can be with their owner. My wife has multiple sclerosis and this skunk is better for her than any medicine. He will crawl up in her lap and cuddle and seems to know when she needs it. She can be washing the dishes, and if he thinks she hasn't paid him enough attention, he will grab her pants leg and pull and tug until she says something to him. Then he will bow up like skunks do, fluff his tail out (which is the most beautiful a skunk can be) and stomp his feet. Then he will dance for her. Until she sits down so he can crawl up on her lap. It is great to watch. It is best to find a breeder. Skunks come in all colors and designs. I prefer the black and white myself. What ever you do, please check with your states law concerning skunks. It will save allot of heart ache. |
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