caring for a pet fox
This article deals only with foxes and arctic foxes. When the word “fox” is used, it refers to these species unless otherwise stated.
Foxes are beautiful, mean, and funny canines. Many people are fascinated by its charm and want to keep it as a pet. Of course, that’s perfectly fine, but foxes have some special traits, behaviors, and care needs that many people don’t know about when buying a fox.
Contrary to popular belief, foxes no “Cat and Dog”. They have many species-specific behaviors and calls. If you want something that behaves like a cat, get a cat. It’s illogical to expect foxes to behave like a completely different species and will only cause a lot of problems.
This article covers the basic care your pet fox needs. If you’re going to buy, you shouldn’t read this alone. No amount of research on exotic pets is enough.
fox enclosure
Proper and safe enclosure setup is one of the most important requirements when owning a fox. Fox cubs tolerate being indoors, but when they reach sexual maturity they start marking their territory with urine and feces and become very destructive. I know someone who has experienced a territorial attack by an indoor fox. They do not adapt well to being indoors.
Even if you keep your fox indoors, it’s also great to have an enclosure, as they can’t be left unsupervised. A cage gives your fox enough space to roam and play, even when you’re not home.
Fox Enclosure: Overview
- The enclosure must be at least 8 feet long x 8 feet wide x 6 feet high.
- Make sure the floor is not pitted and put chain links on it. Foxes are skilled miners.
- The top should be completely enclosed.
- If chain links are used, they should be 14 gauge or smaller to avoid wire pinching or welding.
From an enrichment perspective, enclosures should also include ramps, platforms, hanging toys, tunnel tubes, sandboxes and toys. The enclosure should include a birdhouse (or kennel), food and water trays (best clipped to the fence so the foxes don’t mark inside and contaminate the water), and aspen bedding or You will need a substrate such as straw. Depending on the size, he should be cleaned twice a week or every day.
diet and feeding
Foxes are carnivorous. Most people feed one of the high-quality grain-free grains, such as Blue Buffalo or Taste of the Wild, with a bit of raw meat, such as chicken liver. Taurine is an essential acid for foxes as well as cats, so their diet must be supplemented with taurine to keep them healthy (unless they are fed live food).
Most Common Dog Food Choices for Foxes
- blue buffalo
- a taste of the wild
- Merricks
- canine
DIY Homemade Fox Cooking Recipe
Some people prefer to feed their foxes raw food or cook their own meals. This is an excellent, well-researched recipe created by Ragtatter. pet fox blog:
material
- 2 pounds raw ground chicken
- 2 pounds raw ground turkey
- 8 boiled eggs (shell powder included)
- 4 ounces raw tilapia
- 1.5 cups rolled oats
- 1 can of green beans (411g)
- 1/2 cup flaxseed powder
- 1 tablespoon carrot juice
- 4 tsp wheat germ oil
- 1 teaspoon cod liver oil
The fox keeps food hidden. They also mark it with feces and urine. Therefore, it is important to keep the feeding area clean and not allow leftover perishable food to accumulate.
How to keep foxes from marking your bait if this becomes a problem:
“…place food and water trays in some type of enclosure so that the fox only has its head inside the enclosure. Covered milk crates, strong cardboard boxes, or wooden crates work well. Let’s go.” -Pat, Civil’s Den
behavior and vocalization
Foxes have a wide variety of behaviors, some of which are similar to those of other canines. Here’s a quick list of some of the more common behaviors and vocalizations.
action
- Beard: The position of a fox’s whiskers can indicate interest (if it sticks forward) or fear and anger (if it stands on end). Gentle foxes have relaxed whiskers.
- Body language: Like most canines, foxes are very expressive, so I won’t go into too much detail.Foxes have very typical characteristics dog body language, but no grunt. Foxes perform body slams when defending and pin expensive items underneath when they sense danger.
- scent: Foxes seldom use their occipital or purpuric glands to produce a strong stench. This is done when the fox is extremely frightened or agitated, such as when stepping on the fox’s tail.
- Resource protection: Foxes tend to guard resources such as food, toys, and valuable items.If you need to take something from the fox, please do so no Just walk in and take it! Try exchanging it for another high-value item instead.
- Area marking: Foxes mark their territory with manure. Their urine has a particularly pungent smell, almost like a skunk. They mark food and caches as well.
- October Madness: A word coined by a fox owner. It refers to the first fall in the wild when wild foxes are chased by their parents and become independent. Your fox will exhibit extreme and dramatically different behavior, often becoming aggressive and very vocal. Uneducated people who take foxes for the first time mistakenly think that the fox is “ramping”. Fortunately, these changes are temporary. Think of it as puberty for foxes.
Vocalization
- Geckeling: multiple syllables in high pitch Gekugekugeku! The sound that foxes make when they are fighting or when they are present. very anger.
- Alarm sound: A short “urf” is usually done while looking intently at the cause of concern. It is often accompanied by other behaviors that are uncomfortable or frightening.
- happy shout: high-pitched sound “yeah yeah!” Screaming with positive body language. It is made when you are very happy or excited.
For a better visual understanding of pet fox behavior and vocalizations, we recommend watching pet fox videos. Search “pet foxes” on YouTube.
fulfilling ideas
A bored fox is an unhappy fox, and an unhappy fox is a destructive fox.
A fox needs daily nutrition to keep it happy. This can be given in the form of play, toys, or anything else that gets the fox’s attention.
Ideas for strengthening the fox
- puzzle feeder
- Children’s pool (with or without fish)
- sandbox
- hanging toys
- Squeaker toy (unless the fox eats it)
- aroma enhancement
- tunnel pipe
- Go for a walk (if the fox is harness trained). For foxes to get used to it, harness training should be done at a young age. Do not let your fox walk in public or crowded places. Always make sure your harness is non-slip.
The only limit to what you can do to enrich is your creativity. Get creative.
legality
Unfortunately, foxes are illegal in most states because they are native animals or carriers of rabies.
Before It is important to check your state, county, and city laws when purchasing a fox. Many people buy foxes without knowing that it is illegal to keep them where they live. These illegally farmed foxes will be confiscated by the state and possibly euthanized.
I do not have a complete list of laws in every state and should not rely on lists found on the internet. Often they are outdated or wrong.You should check your local laws yourself.
To check your local laws, you should first contact your local fish and wildlife department (or the state equivalent, which often has different names from state to state). Call the fox and ask if it’s legal to personally own a fox, and be sure to tell them the breed.
Also, write down the name of the person you spoke with so you can quickly contact them again if needed. Email is fine, but I’m sorry that I couldn’t contact you. correct Answer yes.
pros and cons
To briefly summarize everything in this article, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of having a pet fox.
Strong Points
- beautiful and fun animals
- Interactive and playful
- It is possible if you start harness training from a young age.
- Can be toilet trained, but may mark its own territory
- Unique animals that offer new challenges for avid pet owners and animal lovers
Cons
- Smells like musk, urine smells like a skunk
- highly destructive
- Requires an outdoor enclosure
- especially during the breeding season
- Illegal in most states
- Easy to protect resources
- not rehome well
View the original article to see the embedded media.
Foxes are great pets for the right people
Foxes make great pets for the right people, such as those who understand their behavior and devote themselves to their care. Like any pet, foxes have responsibilities and should do their best to provide them with the special care and affection they deserve.
This guide only covered the basics of how to keep a fox, but there’s a lot more to learn. If you want to own a fox, do more research, actually visit a fox and talk to other owners.
thank you for reading!
This article is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge. It is not a substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription or formal, individualized advice from a veterinarian. Animals showing signs or symptoms of distress should be seen by a veterinarian immediately.
© 2017 Casey
comment
Matthew Olson August 15, 2020:
No they are bad pets.
Collie June 15, 2020:
How to care for wild foxes
Samantha June 22, 2019:
I have a fox and live in the mountains. I was wondering how to treat fleas. Because both of my foxes are very bad and affected by hair loss.
teddy May 27, 2019:
Thanks to the author for letting me know.
Liz Anna February 20, 2019:
to the author. You said it’s illegal to keep all foxes in Texas. that is wrong. A permit is required to own a fox in Texas, but it is possible.
raquel value November 9, 2018:
I reported animal cruelty to my local county and property and nothing was done about it. The case involves a fox who was abused and abused.Where else can I report this issue? Broward County, Florida
thank you.
Ryan March 28, 2018:
What are the dimensions of the kennel in which the fox is playing with a green ball? Also, please tell us how you built it. I like the kennel so much that I want to build one for the fox.
Casey (Author) From North Carolina, August 23, 2017:
Sorry Mia, keeping all fox species is illegal in Texas. 🙁