So You Want A Pet Skunk So you want to get a pet skunk. Well the first thing you need to do is find out if pet skunks are legal in your state. If you live in a state where they are illegal and the authorities find out, your beloved pet will most likely be confiscated and MURDERED in order to test it for rabies. You will also be unable to get proper health care and vaccinations for your skunk because the Vet may turn you in. So for the animals sake... get a ferret. Here is a site to find out the legal status of your state.
http://www.skunksaspets.com/states.htm

Baby skunks are normally born only in the spring and are generally available in May, June, and July. Check with pet stores in your area that deal in exotic pets, start asking them in the winter if they are going to have baby skunks this spring, you may have to put a deposit on one. Pet skunks typically sell for between $120 - $250. You may also need to get a permit in advance (Check with your Fish and Game Comission or Dept of Natural Resources). Also check the newspaper classifieds during these months and search for pet skunk rescues in your area. Sadly many baby skunks are turned over to rescues by people who didn't know what they were getting into. So please do not puchase a pet skunk on a whim.

You can also chat with pet skunk owners from all over the world on pet skunk mailing lists "Skunkchat".
The folks on these lists can be very helpful with helping you find a skunk to adopt in your area, plus offer alot of advice. These mailing lists will also help you get hooked up with domestic skunk clubs and info on skunk shows.

One final word of advice, PLEASE research pet skunks before you get one. When you first get your skunk it may be terrified of you and it may take months of loving patience before they decide they like you.They are not an easy pet to have. For example, they cannot be kept in a cage, they will go cage crazy which may result in biting or other bad behavior. They must be kept in skunk proof rooms which is kind of like child proofing for a two year old. They may dig into your furniture or your beds box spring. Although they can be litter box trained they may have occasional accidents on your nice new carpeting. They require, no, they DEMAND alot of attention but if you willing to give them that special attention for say about 8 to 20 years then you will discover what a wonderful loving pet a skunk can be.

Chris



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