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#REDIRECT [[Skunk#As_pets]]
The '''pet [[skunk]]''' is a companion that is becoming more common in North America. Skunk domestication began at least 200 years ago, when farmers used them to catch rodents and other pests. Today some breeders sell skunks to pet stores if their fur is not suitable for commercial use. The [[mercaptan]]-emitting scent glands must be neutralized in pet skunks.
Besides the standard black-and-white striped pattern, there are also white, gray, brown, blond, beige, and lavender skunks.
[[Image:Skunk_blanket.jpg|350px|right]]
==Temperament==
Skunks can be affectionate or shy, often depending on how much they were held when they were young.
Skunks tend to be very [[curiosity|curious]] animals. They will open cupboards that are left unlocked. Some owners have noticed skunks smelling something that was spilled on the carpet, and trying to dig to find out what is there.
==Skunk care==
Skunks tend to be high-maintenance pets, compared to cats and dogs. The home must be "skunk-proofed" to prevent them from causing damage or escaping. Skunks do not have the same sense of direction as cats, and can easily get lost if they get out.
===Diet===
Skunks need a wider variety of food than most pets. They tend to have a voracious appetite, making obesity a common problem with pet skunks. It is important not to overfeed them. Clean water should be available at all times.
===Veterinary care===
====Spaying/neutering====
Males should be neutered between 3 and 4 months of age. Females should be spayed between 4 and 6 months of age.
====Shots====
Skunks require a [[veterinarian]] who is familiar with skunks. Some shots commonly given to cats and dogs are harmful to skunks.
====Worms====
It is common for new skunks to have worms. [[Roundworms]] are the most common.
====Declawing (not recommended)====
Skunks should not be declawed, since they use their claws to handle food. Instead, their claws should be clipped occasionally.
====Prolapse====
Skunks are prone to [[rectal prolapse]], in which the rectum extrudes from the body. [http://www.skunkhaven.net/ Skunk Haven] has instructions on dealing with this.
===Housebreaking===
Skunks can be corner-trained. For covered cat litter boxes, it may be necessary to cut a larger opening for the skunk. Skunk sometimes refuse to use a litter box that is dirty.
==State laws==
Pet skunks are legal in the following states:
*Alabama
*Arizona
*Florida
*Georgia
*Idaho
*Indiana
*Iowa
*Kentucky
*Michigan
*New Jersey
*New Mexico
*Ohio
*Oregon
*Pennsylvania
*South Carolina
*South Dakota
*West Virginia
==Rabies==
Although it is rare for domesticated skunks to get [[rabies]], there have been many unfortunate cases in which a pet skunk bit a person, and then was euthanized by animal control personnel so that his brain cells could be tested for rabies.
There is no [[United States Department of Agriculture|USDA]]-approved rabies vaccine or quarantine period for skunks. This is one of the reasons why many states do not allow pet skunk ownership.
==External links==
*[http://www.skunk-info.org/ Owners of Pet Skunks]
*[http://www.skunksaspets.com/ Skunks as Pets]
*[http://www.aspenskunk.org/ Aspen Skunk Rabies Research]
*[http://www.vickifox.com/skunk_pets.php Vicki Fox's skunk page]
*[http://www.accs.net/users/whyden/skunkpet.htm Indiana Skunks as Pets Frequently Asked Questions]
[[Category:Pets]]
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