One of the newest trends in exotic pet ownership is the fennec fox. The smallest member of the fox family, fennecs are native to northern Africa, surviving quite well in the Sahara Desert. Their claim to fame (and cuteness) are their ears; gigantic for the size of their heads. Fennecs are small, social, and relatively easy to tame. But they are NOT domestic animals, and will require specialized care. Before you think of getting a fennec fox, do your research and consider the following points.
Might Not Be Legal
Even though most fennec foxes in the US are bred by USDA licensed breeders, it still may not be legal to own one. They are considered an exotic animal, and many states have laws regarding exotic pet ownership. A legitimate breeder will not sell you a fennec fox if you reside in a state where they are illegal to keep. Do your research and find out if you are even allowed to own one where you live.
Finding A Vet
Since fennecs are considered an exotic pet, you need to find a vet that is familier with these animals. Foxes are not domestic dogs, and need special care. Your vet needs to be aware of the different vaccination dosages and schedules, and the specialized diet fennec foxes need to thrive. If you plan on breeding your foxes, you will need a vet that is well-educated on prenatal and pup care. Few vets are going to be experts on fennec foxes, and those that are may be much more expensive or difficult to get an appointment with.
Bugs for Lunch
Fennec foxes in the wild consume a varied diet. It includes insects, small mammals, eggs, and veggies and fruits. You cannot feed your fox on dog food alone. Diets in captivity include commercially available canine diet produced for zoos, dog and cat food, produce, eggs, and live bugs. You can buy crickets, meal worms, and cockroaches from online distributors or local pet stores, or you can raise your own . In any case, preparing food for your fennec fox is going to be more expensive and costly than feeding a domestic pet.
Strong Odors
Foxes themselves do not smell, but their urine and feces have a very strong, distinct odors. Wild canids use their excretions to mark territory and communicate with other animals, and the stronger the smell, the better. You will need to clean their toilet area frequently if you don’t want your house to smell. Fennec foxes will also give of a strong body odor when scared or stressed.
Potty-Training Problems
While many fennec foxes can be litter-trained, they are never going to be 100% reliable. You also cannot “house-break” a fennec, because they should not be let out of the house unless you have a completely covered, dig-proof kennel. Even those animals who usually go in their designated bathroom spot may defecate in the house when excited or nervous. Fortunately, fox poop is usually dry and hard, making it easy to pick up. But if having a pet completely house-broken is a must for you, then don’t get a fennec fox.
Made for Digging
Wild fennec foxes can dig a 15 foot tunnel in one night! A fennec left to his own devices in your house can dig up carpeting and scratch baseboards. They will also dig their way out of a traditional dog kennel, so owners who want to let their fennecs outside will need to bury the fencing to prevent escapes. Many owners give their foxes a place to dig inside the house, such as a sandbox in their overnight caging.
Nocturnal
While the fennec foxes in your life will adjust to your schedule over time, they are nocturnal animals. They will be active and noisy at night. To keep them out of trouble and allow you to sleep, they will need to be kept in a kennel overnight, far away from any bedrooms.
Time Commitment
These are not good pets for travelers or workaholics. Fennecs left alone for long periods of time may revert back to wild ways and “forget” about human caregivers. The need to be supervised when out of their cages. Fennecs are also very social, and a single fox in your house will need lots of playtime and attention to be a happy, healthy fox.
Sources:
FennecFoxes.net http://www.fennecfoxes.net/faq.html
Sea World Animal Bytes http://www.seaworld.org/animal-info/animal-bytes/animalia/eumetazoa/coelomates/deuterostomes/chordata/craniata/mammalia/carnivora/fennec-fox.htm
Lianne McLeod, DVM, Fennec Foxes as Pets: What to Expect From a Pet Fennec Fox http://exoticpets.about.com/cs/fennecfoxes/a/fennecfoxes.htm
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