Information on common w ormers used on skunks. In the rare case that improper descenting is the cause, Panalog Ointment should be used until healing takes place. viewers may wonder: do skunks really make good pets? Descenting was banned as an unnecessary mutilation when the new animal welfare act came into force in 2007. There are even genetic lines of skunks with brown and white fur that are raised for pets so as not to be confused with wild skunks. Skunks have trouble digesting processed foods. What does it smell like that would be so bad? The statistical reality of descenting, is that it's rare. some skunk owners simply cannot take care of their pet and end up abandoning it. Did you watch “Is That Skunk?” Tell us what you think. It is cruel to keep a wild animal as a pet if you don't know how to care for it. I caught another skunk, the 5th one in the same spot under a cabin. Skunks are shy, intelligent and adorable creatures but not when they spray. I know that in Europe descenting is considered a cruel and unnecessary procedure. Both animals have the thin white stripe on the face and have the same general preferences for riparian habitats. De-scenting ferrets make very little sense since the ferret would still have skin glands that would excrete smell. You should know that the American Ferret Association opposes the practice of descenting except in cases where the ferret’s health is at issue. Spaying, Neutering, and Descenting . Also, many countries outside the US deem it as animal cruelty and consider it illegal. This procedure is not at all the same as de-scenting a skunk. Pet skunks can be trained to sleep during the night and be active during the day. If a pet skunk is let out of the house or escapes, it may be in grave danger. This procedure is banned in many states in Europe because it is unnecessary and it won’t help with your ferret’s smell. But, as with any exotic pet, appropriate expectations are vital to the enjoyment of having a skunk as a pet. In addition, only skunks born in the wild learn the skills necessary to forage and hunt. Is Descenting a Ferret Cruel? She of course had to roll over it. Color variations, however, include brown and white, all white and albino as well as champagne, lavender, smoke, mahogany and apricot. Hello, I've been thinking of getting a ferret for a bit now but have one concern: from what I've heard they can smell bad due to having a scent gland similar to a skunk. About the Treatment of Injuries, Abscess', ETC. Is Descenting a ferret cruel? Descenting is cruel and causes health problems in later life. The house must be “skunk-proofed,” limiting access to the curious creatures. There is no problem distinguishing the western spotted skunk, also known as the civet. You are seriously underestimating the magnitude of what a skunk can produce. All skunks should be fixed and descented as soon as they are sexually mature, if not younger. From striped to spotted, hooded to hog-nosed and stink badgers, black and white dominate skunk colors. If you're a law-abiding skunk you probably don't have anything to worry about. We've had dogs before so we know pets sometimes produce bad smells, but I don't see why it's a big deal. even if they did, we'd just clean it up afterwards We've had dogs before so we know pets sometimes produce bad smells. Wild skunks eat anything from insects and snakes to fruits and veggies. Skunks can be demanding eaters. In most states where it is legal to own a pet skunk there are additional rules and regulations, and some require a special permit. While a relatively simple procedure, there is some debate as to whether or not descenting skunks is humane. SKUNKS AS PETS By Elroy C. Jensen, D.V.M., M.S. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. This descenting technique was more rapid and less traumatic than scent gland removal. Define skunk descenting. The descenting is usually done by a trapper rather than a Because of the powerful odor, and fear of being sprayed it may be difficult for some people to tolerate smelly creatures living under a deck or old shed. But domesticated skunks, which have been bred in captivity for over 60 years, are known to be quite docile and loving. Striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis) scent glands were ligated closed with waxed dental floss to allow them to be handled during toxicological studies without fear of scenting. Over the years I have had quite a number brought in to me and sent in to me often from great distances. Most of the laws prohibiting skunk ownership were put in place because of the fear that skunks are prone to rabies. Is it legal to have a pet skunk in Illinois or Texas? Though the myth persists that wild skunks have a disproportionately high rate of carrying rabies, unvaccinated domestic cats and dogs can contract the virus much more easily than skunks for the simple reason that most creatures, including rabid animals, avoid skunks and their stinky spray. The skunk … In the case of wild skunks the answer is no. That poof is nothing compared to that of a skunk and it dissipates rather quickly, so it's really no big deal. skunk descenting synonyms, skunk descenting pronunciation, skunk descenting translation, English dictionary definition of skunk descenting. But I got so used to two smell-free dookers that I was gagging when the new guy released his "puff" and still had some greasy stuff all over his butt trying to wipe it off on my slippers and pants. If left alone all day, they can get mischievous and even destructive. Skunks can travel several miles a day, and unless found, a lost pet skunk is in trouble. [ 6 ] Skunks are not walking stink-bombs who might go off any second. This will NOT eliminate the urine odor. Skunks should be wormed with a safe wormer like Pro-Wormer-2 ®, Strongid, Nemex-2 ®, or Panacur. Descenting? Descenting takes care of a ferrets ability to "skunk" but they still smell. I'm thinking of getting a pet skunk, but I believe descenting them is cruel. To stave the idiotic replies off, YES you can keep a pet skunk, NO they dont stink, they can be descented, and if you think thats cruel thats your choice keep it to yourself. Skunk, (family Mephitidae), also called polecat, black-and-white mammal, found primarily in the Western Hemisphere, that uses extremely well-developed scent glands to release a noxious odour in defense. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. I thought skunks only produce about an ounce of their stinky spray at once? Still, their biggest threat is the same as that facing wild skunks — cars. Surgical. Some argue that a descented skunk has unfairly been stripped of its natural defenses. Descenting is totally un-necessary, and it can come with complications and long-term problems. When raised in a house, pet skunks put their claws to use opening doors, cabinets, drawers, and even refrigerators. This is usually done by 4-6 months of age, but descenting is often done when the kits are very young and still with the breeder. 2nd: can you manage a vet's visit for a 'descenting' the skunk and never let him/ her alone outside, or a horrible dog fight/ cat fight would happen on the spot. How feasible would it be to just get one that's not descented, as long as it's been checked for rabies and all that? Some people like to keep skunks as pets. Still, keeping a domesticated skunk happy and healthy is a lot of work, and so is acquiring a pet skunk in the first place. A skunk owner went to this clinic in good faith so her baby skunk would get the medical treatment it needed. If you are even thinking about de-scenting, a fox is not for you. It is eas­ ily recognized by its black and white color and noted for its strong scent. The freakin skunk didn’t even try to run it just let its scent fly turning in a circle spraying both dogs everywhere, then trotted off. Domesticated skunks are descented when they are between two and five weeks of age, and grow up “unarmed.” While a relatively simple procedure, there is some debate as to whether or not descenting skunks is humane. 3 skunks ago I had one that wouldn't settle down and there was a piece of old rain gutter hanging down diagonally and froze into the sand between the cabin and the woodshed, and that third skunk sprayed about 4 times into that gutter, missing me while I put it down with the syringe of rubbing alcohol. Descenting. History. When not sleeping, skunks need lots of love and attention. A quick test of an edited video to view a skunk descenting surgery with parts of the procedure zoomed in. De-scenting is a very dangerous procedure on foxes and serves no purpose. Descenting is a surgery in which the vet removes your ferret’s anal sacs. Thirty-four skunks were kept for less than or equal to 127 days. Members of thi They are very playful, and require lots of stimulation. Descenting just prevents your ferret from "farting" (expelling a poof odor) when frightened or excited, just like skunks do. As with any pet, prospective skunk owners should think long and hard about whether or not they have the time and the resources to properly care for a skunk before purchasing or adopting one. The term skunk, however, refers to more than just the well-known striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis).The skunk family is composed of 11 species, 9 of which are found in the Western Hemisphere. But that's just my two cents on the whole descenting thing. 2 things....1st: find out what is illegal and not illegal to have a skunk as a pet in Illinois or Texas. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast, More posts from the NoStupidQuestions community, Press J to jump to the feed. Help Requested. If you know anything about their behaviour, and you should if you are going to get one as a pet, you will know when your skunk is feeling afraid LONG BEFORE you get sprayed. Thought he got it in his eyes but nope he got it on the side of his face and started rolling on the side of his head in the wet grass. The most notable difference between wild and domestic skunks is the lack of scent glands. Pet skunks are also known to steal blankets, towels, sweaters, and other soft items that they bring to their sleeping den. I mean, they don't spray if they're not scared anyways, and even if they did, we'd just clean it up afterwards. Also, its cruel to keep ferrets alone, you need two at least. Note: Wormers containing piperazine (piperazine citrate) have caused tremors, seizures, vomiting, and have been indicated as factors in several deaths, in skunks. Due to unprofessional handling on the clinic's part , the skunk felt threaten and bit one of the staff members to protect itself. Domesticated skunks are unique and sometimes rewarding pets, but they require a lot of specialized care. I've also heard these can be removed. There are four species of skunks in North America, only two of these are present in the Mid­ skunk, name for several related New World mammals of the weasel weasel, name for certain small, lithe, carnivorous mammals of the family Mustelidae (weasel family). All skunks have long claws used for digging up worms, insects, and grubs. 1. The typical skunk colors of black and white vary by species. Return To Top FREQUENT URINATION Unless your skunk is in heat, this may indicate kidney or bladder problems or Diabetes.