Do domesticated skunks stink?

        Absolutely no!

Wild skunks spray a stinking liquid if they feel threatened. Domesticated skunks rarely spray.  I have 2 not descented skunks and they have never sprayed. According to the most recent studies this operation is unadvisable.

Can I keep a skunk as pet?

Yes, skunks are loving, they nestle up to our arms and fall asleep. It is better to spay or neuter them when they are 5 o 6 months old, because during the spring they become nervous if they don’t mate.

Should I keep a skunk in a cage?

No, my skunks follow me as puppies do. They want to stay with people. It is wrong to close them in a cage because they suffer very much. If you  have a ferret cage, let it open. You can put an old sweater inside and your skunk will sleep in her/his den.

What do they eat?

Everything! These animals are omnivorous and very hungry. In captivity, they have to follow a diet rich in vegetables because they tend to become fat. I feed my skunks with vegetables (peppers, cauliflowers, cabbages, carrots,…), meat (chicken or turkey) and some pieces of banana or apple. Skunks like eating fruit  but they don’t have to exaggerate because fruits could cause diarrhea or prolapse. Sometimes, I give them a dog biscuit  as reward.

What can I do if my skunk has a prolapse?

Sometimes skunks have a prolapse. It means that a part of their rectum or lower end of the intestine slips down. Their rectum often come back to the right place without any intervention. Bamse had a prolapse only once. I disinfected that part of the intestine with a mixture of disinfectant and water then I put some sugar on it.  We can put the part of the lower intestine in its right place or if there are problems, I suggest to call a vet.

Are skunks sensibile animals? Do they need many attentions?

No, they are strong animals. They need to eat healthy food and they need to be dewormed early, when they are little, twice or three times. When they are adult, they need to be dewormed every year. We don’t have to vaccinate domesticated skunks against too many illness. Some vets suggest  to vaccinate them against distemper if the owner of a skunk has dogs or has contacts with dogs. We don’t have to vaccinate skunks with cat vaccines or against rabies, as many people in the US do, especially if  your skunks live in your house and don’t go outside.