How to Feed a Pet Skunk

If you own a pet skunk, or are thinking about getting a pet skunk you will hear a lot of conflicting information in regards to feeding.  This is in part because very few studies have been done on skunk nutrition, and as well because all food companies that make skunk food (there are only a few) will tell you that their food is the "best".  

In the past a lot of skunk owners have fed cat food or ferret food to their skunk, but both are too fatty and contain too much protein. Skunks fed these diets often became obese.  Many skunk owners now consider feeding a top quality, grain free, dog food to be better (do not contain BHA, BHT, by-products, corn gluten meal, or brewers rice).  However the concern is that the skunk still requires taurine - an ingredient not found in dog food.

Skunk owners can purchase taurine in powder, liquid, or tablets. Taurine should be feed at 200 mg per day. Calcium supplements are also a good idea.  Both can be purchased at a health food store (some pet stores may carry these too).

A skunk's diet should be roughly 65 % meat and dairy products, 30% vegetables, and 5% fruit.

Vegetables can be fresh or frozen (and thawed), canned vegetables tend to be lower in nutritional value.  Skunks should not have asparagus, onions, or iceberg lettuce.

Fruits is safe for skunks except for grapes and avocados. Fruit should be given only two or three times a week, not daily.

Skunks can eat nuts, excluding salted nuts, almonds offer a good source of Vitamin E.

Pet skunks can eat eggs (boiled – shell and all), and most dairy products (including goats milk) except whole milk, cream, and high fat cheeses. You should not feed your skunk yogurt with artificial sweeteners (aspartame), which are often found in low-fat yogurts.

Skunk owners can also purchase crickets, mealworms from pet supply stores. Live crickets may escape so most owners prefer to buy dried crickets.  You can dig up worms for your skunk, but most people prefer to leave the worms in the garden where they are beneficial.

Skunks under 4 months of age should be fed 3-5 small meals a day, do not feed a skunk free choice, it will eat too much and become obese. Adult skunks can have 3 meals a day.  For many skunk owners this means feeding early in the evening, later at night, early in the morning.  Watch to see how much your skunk can eat in 20 minutes time, and remove uneaten food after that.  Monitor your skunk for weight loss or gain and overall signs of eating right.

Skunks are natural foragers, if you leave any food out they will find it, and can open cupboard doors while searching for food.  Keep chocolate of of a skunk's reach it is toxic.

Skunks should have their food and water in stainless steel or ceramic bowls that are built so they do not tip or spill.

Indications of a Skunk with a Diet Problem:

A fat skunk is not a healthy skunk.  You can reduce the amount of food you feed in the winter as they naturally would find less to eat in the winter and this will help reduce the skunk's weight.

A skunk that is skinny and drags its hind legs could be suffering from a lack of calcium.

Hair loss, particularly on the back and tail, indicate an improper diet (or mites).

A skunk with vision problems may be suffering from a lack of taurine.

If a skunk's white fur looks yellow this may be a sign of poor care, or a poor diet.

Further Reading on Feeding and Care for Skunks

Bobcats as Exotic Pets

Many people are looking for more exotic, more unusual, slightly more dangerous, exotic pets; but they still want cute!  As such bobcats and lynxes are now being considered as pets and are slowly entering the exotic pet market.

I personally do not feel a need to own such a creature but did a lot of research on ownership of them which I present to you now. 

In most areas you will require a licence or permit own own a pet bobcat or pet lynx.  Depending on your area this may require getting your property inspected for security.  Your local zoning may be an issue too.  You can only acquire these exotics from licenced breeders who are required to check your permit before selling to you.  Note that you cannot catch and keep a wild bobcat or lynx in most areas as this is illegal, not to mention cruel and dangerous.

Bobcats are about twice the size of a domestic cat, and the Canadian lynx is slightly larger, so you must be sure you can accomodate such a big animal, offering it enough room to play, and as well you must consider the higher costs of feeding and over all care.

Some people breed their own rabbits for the purpose of feeding their pet bobcat or lynx, others use premium commercial diets.  Meat must be the main part of the diet as, like all cats, bobcats are true carnivores. 

You need to be certain you have a veterinarian willing to treat and care for such an exotic pet. 

Keep in mind that a bobcat or lynx is very playful, they will be more destructive than a regular house cat and require plenty of things to climb on.  They may also see any smaller pets as prey.  Like most cats they spend the majority of their day sleeping, but like to be awake in the morning and evening.

If you are intersted in getting a pet bobcat or pet lynx the first thing to check is what licensing and/or permits are needed in your area.  Contact a breeder to see what their requirements are in terms of space and fencing, as most breeders insist on doing home checks before selling to a buyer - they may require a deposit made before they actually have kittens ready to sell.

You should plan on spending $1200 - $1800 USD to purchase a pet bobcat.  Make sure it has been vet checked and vaccinated first.  It should be no younger than 8 weeks of age and should come with health guarantees.

Fainting Goats

Back in 1880 four goats were abandoned by a Canadian man in Tennessee, these goats soon had kids and somebody noticed a peculiar trait among their offspring.  It seemed when they got a sudden scare they fell over as if in a trance.  The condition was recognized as a rare condition that also occurs in humans, myotonia congentia.

When given a sudden scare the muscles in the legs of the goats freeze up, the animal quickly topples over as a result and may lay there frozen for 10 seconds or so.  For many years Myotonic goats were used as meat goats, intentionally scared so they would build up muscle in their leg from repeatedly freezing up.  Now they are more likely to be kept as pets or occasionally for cashmere fiber that some produce in the winter.

Myotonic goats are also called fainting goats and are smaller goats, often black and white, but they can be any color.   They are pretty easy to keep, needing shelter in cold and wet weather, and they are less likely to climb fences than other goats. 

If bred to another goat the fainting gene is recessive.  Younger fainting goats are more likely to fall over as the older ones learn how to brace themselves.  Of course any animal that falls down when frightened may be an easy target for predators, or thieves.  As such it is a good idea to keep your goats well fenced and secure.  


Read here if you wish to learn more about goats and goat care.

Pet Spiders

Todays' article is on Keeping Pet Spiders, by Jerry Lee Hall

Spiders' Increasing Popularity As Exotic Pets
Spiders can be really be amusing to observe. They move about quietly and are known to cope well in several types of environments. Maintenance is likewise not very difficult as they are generally clean and don't leave much clutter. These reasons account for the growing popularity of keeping spiders as exotic pets.

However, as spiders are generally seen as low-maintenance pets, owners at times fail to recognize that taking care of them is, in fact, not that straightforward. There are still many things to take into consideration. Thus, having spiders as pets as a result of mere influence of their popularity shouldn't be the case. You must also remember that, just like in taking care of other types of pets, a high level of responsibility is involved.

If you are a first-time owner, it would be wise to choose those which are neither fragile nor treacherous. Tarantulas like Chilean rose, Mexican Redleg, and Costa Rican Zebra are well suited to being pets. Their venom isn't very harmful but is instead similar to that of the bees.

Strength of venom is one of the important things that you have to check at the very start of your search for an exotic pet spider. Mild venom may cause significant pain. Hairs on their abdomen are equally harmful as they may shed it in moments of threat and stress and may cause irritation and great hazard when they get into the eyes. You have several options but, in general, prior to acquiring any type, you have to check with your local government if there are policies regulating such.

To maintain a spider's suitability to become pets, you have to create a habitat that closely mimics their natural living environment. This need not be expensive, or spacious, as a simple terrarium may be enough. You also don't have to worry about giving spiders companions of the same species as they are usually not after socialization. By nature, they are also predatory thus they may just end up eating their companion even if it is a fellow spider. What you have to check is the enclosure as spiders are good climbers and they can easily pass through small holes or crevices. They may escape if their habitat isn't secure enough.

Taking care of spiders indeed isn't that easy. They deserve respect just like any other animal. At the same time, you also have to protect yourself from possible harm that they may inflict. Overall, acquisition must be a result of careful research and consideration.

Read more: http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Spiders--Increasing-Popularity-As-Exotic-Pets/105810#ixzz1dSI6sEGX

The Animal Cabin would like to add:
As with buying any pet be sure to buy from a reputable breeder.  Spiders are sometimes sold in pet stores but also are often sold at reptile and herp shows and sales.  Reputable pet spider breeders often advertise in reptile and amphibian shows.
Make sure you are instructed on how to feed your new pet spider as well as how to handle it carefully, dropping a spider can kill it.

What does a Weasel Look Like?

Have you seen the television commercial where a little girl asks her iPhone "What does a weasel look like?"?  Let's find out more about what weasels are and what they look like.

Although there are 17 types of weasel the one most of us are familiar with is the ferret.  Ferrets are a pretty good example of what all weasels look like, some other weasels may be a bit larger, some may be a bit smaller, but in general all weasels have the same body shape and structure as we see in the ferret.  Weasels are long animals with short legs and a fairly pointed head.  They are carnivores, meat eaters with sharp teeth.

Black Footed Ferret

Some species of weasels have been used for fur, and for hunting, some species (the domestic ferret and polecat) have been kept as pets.  In fact the domestic ferret has been kept for over 2500 years and was commonly used to chase (to "ferret) rabbits, and other vermin, out of their warrens. 

domestic ferret in a playful war dance

Weasels come in different sizes from 5 inches long (12 cm) to 18 inches long (45 cm), with additionally long tails. Their bodies are very streamlined and thin. They have small rounded ears, and pointed noses.   Many weasels are brown in the summer, with a white stomach, and moult to become white in the winter.

If you are considering getting a ferret or polecat as a pet, be warned, they are playful and active.  Ferrets need lots of attention, and if you have other pets, such as rabbits or birds, the weasel's natural prey drive may result in a disaster  Pet ferrets need at least 2 hours out of their cage every morning, and another 2 hours every evening.  As carnivores ferrets need to be feed a food with a high meat content. They can have fruits and vegetables as treats or snacks but only in small amounts. Be sure you have a veterinarian that is familiar with them as well.  Female ferrets must be spayed unless they are to be kept and used for breeding.

The Exotic Sphynx Cat

Although not an exotic pet, the Sphynx cat is an exotic looking breed of cat to say the least.  Having only peach fuzz type fur, and very defined features, this cat is sure to catch attention.

photo source

The original breed of Sphynx cats nearly died out in the 1800's but some of there genetics may have remained as recessive genes in other cats.  In 1966 a hairless male kitten was born in Toronto, Canada, named Prune he was bred to his mother in an attempt to produce more animals of this type.  Inbreeding resulted in the deaths of many kittens, and the line never did get established.  Other hairless cats were found, and with some shorter haired Devon Rex cats, the breed finally was able to be considered healthy and viable.

The Sphynx cat is often marketed as a cat ideal for people who suffer from allergies, but they are not truly allergy free, and do require special care.  Sphynx cats should not go outside as they are at risk for sunburn and have poor tolerance for cold weather.  The fact that they lack hair means these cats are particularly fond of curling up on a warm lap, but are otherwise a more playful and active type of cat.

photo source

Due to their relative lack of hair, the Sphynx cat does require regular washing, and should be bathed once a week to prevent body oils from building up on their skin and in the folds of skin.  The cats should also should have their ears cleaned on a weekly basis.  This is because they do not have hair in their ears that would normally draw out the ear wax.  As such the Sphynx cat may require more maintenance than a furry cat.

If you are interested in getting an exotic pet cat, such as the Sphynx you can find breeders at cat shows and in cat magazines, however you should be aware that it is especially risky to bring one of these hairless cats home before it is 12 weeks of age as they are more prone to respiratory problems while young.

Adopt a Less Adoptable Pet Week

How old are you?
I am in my mid fourties.  If I were a cat, or dog, in the middle of my life, I would very likely be euthanized rather than put up for adoption.  Most people want kittens or puppies, a few want year old pets, but very few want senior pets.

Senior pets are nearly impossible for shelters to adopt out.  They sometimes are thought to come with baggage, health issues, and the fact that they will not have many long years left.  Few people bother to even consider adopting such an animal.  Because of this, many shelters do not even keep senior pets and they are euthanized without even being given a chance.




Authors old cat, now deceased.  Ginger Bits.


Senior pets actually do have many benefits and are an ideal companion in certain situations:

Senior pets are ideal for senior owners, they are calmer, and do not need as much exercise.  They are usually well mannered and are less likely to jump on, or claw, their owner, than a playful younger pet.  Senior pets generally fit better into the senior persons life, as a senior person may not be able to make a 15 year commitment to adopting a younger pet.

Senior pets are perfect for people who are only in one place for a short time, such as military people who move every few years.

Senior pets are sometimes great for homes with children.  An older dog may be calmer and safer than a young puppy for example.  An older cat will just wander away from a child if it does not want to be bothered, where as kittens will claw to get away.  It should be noted that not all older pets are good with all children, and the manners of the children should be considered too.

Senior pets are well suited to the type of person who has lots of love to give to a companion who needs, and deserves it.

If you are thinking of adopting a pet, I encourage you to consider adopting an adult, or senior pet.  These animals need homes too!

Petfinder.com has named September 17 - 25 as "Adopt-a-Less-Adoptable-Pet Week" and have asked bloggers to feature some of the types of less adoptable pets, senior pets being the one I have focused on here, but also includes black pets, pit bull dogs, and those with health concerns. 

All pets need loving homes so adopting any pet this week (or at any time) will help, but I urge you to also considering saving the life of a senior animal.

Have a look at PetFinders Gallery of Pets which features only some of the less adoptable pets in shelters today!