Scorpion23

I brought up the idea of a pet skunk to my fiancée as a joke the other day, and now she is obsessed with getting one. I've heard that they make good pets once the glands are taken out but was wondering if anyone here has personal experience with one.

MexicanOnABike

wow. that's pretty intense. i wonder if they're easy to housetrain.
questions i'd also like to know are:
litter box or outside?
cat food? dog food? human food?
do they chew furniture or anything like that?
smart enough to learn tricks or learn bad from good?
...
good luck with your search! i mean do anyone actualy breed these for pets?

edit: wikipedia for the win! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pet_skunk

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longbough

I'm sure it's not as easy as getting one from the wild and having it "domesticated." Skunks are one of the most common sources of rabies in the U.S.

I'm curious.
Why do you say that skunks "make good pets?"
or do you mean your GF just thinks they're cute?

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Toaster126

I think skunks as pets should be left to sitcoms.

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Acetylene

The skunk at the zoo where I worked a while ago was really tame and friendly to its handlers, but not to everyone. I have heard they make exellent pets, not a vicious bone in them, since they have the scent weapon. But, I have never had personal experience with one. I would be very careful where I got it, and find a reputable breeder who lets you contact other people who have taken their skunks as pets so you can ask them questions.

As far as food goes, they are omnivorous but they do eat a lot of bugs and things so probably a pretty rich food would be necessary, one with lots of veggies and not too much starch from grains since they are not adapted to it.

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Lady Sage

I had amish friends growing up and they raised de-scented skunks as pets. (They also raised raccoons.) The skunks were very much like cats. They take a message and get back to you later although they do still hiss at strangers.

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jerseyboy

Just seems like a bad idea. I also dont like the idea of removing their scent glands, just seems kind of wrong to me, but then again its really not that different from domesticating any animals.

Who knows maybe the next trend we'll see among all the hollywood stars is skunks for pets.

james t kirk

Everything you wanted to know about pet skunks but were afraid to ask.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pet_skunk

I hear they make good pets...

*Nikki*

While you might be able to keep them as a pet because of their personality you need to check and see if it is LEGAL to keep them as pets in your area.

shakran

This should be setting off warning bells. A pet should never be an impulse buy. It's irresponsible and leads to abandoned or neglected pets.