How to Raise a Skunk

Skunks are an uncommon pet, but unlike most wild animals, they adapt well to life indoors and behave as domestically as most household pets. They are intelligent, social animals who, with proper care, provide roughly a decade of companionship. This article details how to skunk-proof a house, find a pet skunk and raise them properly.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Experienced veterinarian willing to work with a skunk
• A reputable skunk breeder
• Pet or child gate
• Litter box or pan
• Unscented litter or shredded newspaper
• Ceramic food and water dishes
• Skunk-appropriate food (vegetables, some dog food or poultry and small amounts of fruit or yogurt)

How to Raise a Skunk

1. Research your area's zoning laws. Obtain necessary permits and contact a local breeder of good standing. Baby skunks are born in the spring, are de-scented at four-weeks old and usually available for adoption in June or July. Call as early as possible as some breeders have waiting lists. Find a veterinarian who has experience with skunks. Don't be afraid to ask about his biting policy--reports of skunk bites usually result in health department officials seizing the animal, euthanizing and checking for rabies. Read as much as you can on the topic of skunks as pets.

2. Skunk proof your home. This includes putting baby latches on kitchen and bathroom cupboards, lock up or elevate trash cans and put important personal belongings away. Skunks are endlessly curious and will get into anything and everything. They are fairly adept climbers and can squeeze their way into tight places. It may be necessary to install soft vinyl on the bottoms of doors to avoid potential injury if your skunk tries to squeeze underneath.

3. 
   Skunks can often be integrated into homes with other pets.

   Set up a room with a litter box in the corner. Modify the box, lowering the opening to the floor so that the skunk may use it more easily. Skunks tend to self-corner train, thus it may be wise to move the box to the location the skunk prefers to use. Install the pet or child gate on the door to this room. This is where the skunk will stay when he is left unsupervised. While this is not strictly necessary, it mitigates the amount of trouble he may cause.

4. Introduce the skunk to its new surroundings, preferably away from other animals and children. Speak softly and be gentle. Offer him food or treats. It may take time for the skunk to adjust and patience is required.

5. Set up an appointment with a vet to have the skunk examined and given shots for rabies, distemper and any other applicable conditions. In the meantime, play with the skunk and enjoy his company.

Tips & Warnings

• The diet of skunks is a hotly debated topic. Variety may be the best option. Skunks have insatiable appetites and are prone to obesity. Be sure to monitor their food intake carefully Skunks are easier to train and socialize in the presence of other skunks; but they also get into more trouble this way. Occasional baths and bi-weekly nail grooming will be made easier if introduced at a young age. Natural diggers, skunks may tear up your rugs if left unsupervised. Always keep an eye on your skunk. Skunks respond best to positive reinforcement and simple "no" training. Hitting or punishing a skunk often leads to retaliatory behavior including biting. Skunks love to play, but may be prone to nipping when young. Discourage this.
• Skunks have special needs and require a huge commitment. It's important that you are prepared to be a skunk owner for his entire life. Caged skunks are hostile skunks. While caging a skunk can be a reasonable discipline method, it may result in retaliatory behavior. Never try to domesticate a wild skunk. If you come across an injured or orphaned skunk, contact a local animal shelter or rehabilitation site. Never feed a skunk cat food. Its protein and fat content is too high for them and may lead to liver damage and other health problems. Skunks have no homing instinct and can quickly become lost and vulnerable outside. Never declaw a skunk unless a medical condition requires it. Declawed skunks have difficulty walking and eating.

References

• Information on Pet Skunks
• More Information on Pet Skunks