What About a Pet Skunk?

December 30, 2011, By Karl Withakay 0 comments

Skunks are a lot of fun and can make great pets. They are playful like kittens and very affectionate. They also can be very demanding. They will run up to you, stomp their feet and back up in an attempt to get you on the floor to play with them. If they want to play with you, they'll pester you until you give up and play. If they want to eat, they'll drive you crazy until you feed them. When they are babies, they like to sleep with you and wrap their little bodies around your neck.

You can have a domesticated skunk, but you'll never take away its instincts. Skunks are pests, so if you decide to get one, you may have to make some changes in your house. A skunk can open nearly every lower cabinet in your home so you'll need to get child-resistant latches. While you're at it, get one for the refrigerator too. Don't underestimate the intelligence of a skunk. If you have any potted plants that are down low, set them on a shelf or hang them from the ceiling. A potted plant, a laundry basket, a trash can or a purse are all playgrounds for a skunk. They'll rummage around in them and make a mess.

If you have a cat or a dog, don't worry. A pet skunk will generally get along pretty well with common household pets. Skunks will also get along with your children. However, mutual respect must be taught between the children and your pet. Grabby and chasing children won't do well with your skunk.

Skunks are very different from cats and dogs. They do not have a natural homing instinct. That means that, unlike your dog and cat that can go outside and stroll around the neighborhood, a pet skunk will not be able to find its way back home. With no ability to spray, it would have no defense and likely be killed by a dog or hit by a car. Make sure to keep your skunk inside.

It's important not to cage your pet skunk. A skunk that is constantly caged will end up turning mean, and they can leave a nasty wound when they bite. Do not hit your skunk to discipline it. A good deterrent is giving your skunk a time-out. A pet carrier works well for discipline but should not be used as your skunk's home. It's important to let your skunk roam around the house and live with you and your family. Placing your skunk in an empty bathtub is a good time-out, too. They cannot climb out of a bathtub. A loud voice or a loud clap of your hands will usually put a stop to undesired behavior.