De-Worming your Adult Skunk
De-worming your adult skunk properly is a very important part of skunk ownership that is often done improperly or not at all. All skunk kits come with roundworms that need to be removed before they build to a dangerous level. Read about de-worming a kit here. If you have had your skunk since it was a kit and already followed the initial 3 de-wormings, then you should be able to de-worm twice a year. If you have not already done so, start with the recommendations for de-worming a kit first. The recommended de-worming medications for skunks are Strongid (Pyrantel Pomoate) for kits and adults up to 4 lbs, and Panacur (Fenbendazole) for skunks 4 lbs and up. Panacur is a better choice because it kills more types of parasites than Strongid. Panacur comes in liquid form, Panacur Suspension 10%, or granules called Panacur C. If you are using the liquid Panacur, it is dosed at 25 mg per pound, or 50 mg per kilogram given daily for 3 consecutive days. There are cases where Veterinarians have given Panacur for up to 5 consecutive days. If you choose the granule form of Panacur, skunks 4 lbs to 10 lbs will get Panacur C, 1 gram, for 3 days in a row, wait exactly 2 weeks and repeat for 3 more days. Wait 6 months and give for 3 days, wait exactly 2 weeks and repeat for 3 more days. Each box contains 3 packs so you will be able to give it […]
De-Worming Your Baby Skunk
All baby skunks come with roundworms! Some will come with coccidia (small single cell parasites). Please do not assume that if your skunk has parasites, that you will always see them in the skunk’s stool. That can be a fatal mistake. Parasites, also do not always show up when tested. One of the leading causes of death for young skunks is from parasitic infestation. They can build up causing prolapses, seizures and death. It is important that your Veterinarian dose the de-wormer until the skunk gets to be at least 4 pounds. Be aware that the wrong de-wormer can kill a skunk! Strongid (Pyrantel Pomoate) is recommended until the skunk reaches 4 lbs, then Panacur (Fenbendazole) is recommended as it kills more types of parasites. You will need to de-worm your new baby at least 3 times, several weeks apart like you would a puppy so make sure to get enough medicine from your Veterinarian. After that, you should be able to de-worm twice a year. If there are other household pets, you might want to do everyone together. Once you switch to twice a year, the de-worming cycle is as follows: skunks between 4 and 10 pounds will get Panacur for 3 days in a row, wait exactly 2 weeks and repeat for 3 more days. Wait 6 months and give for 3 days, wait exactly 2 weeks and repeat for 3 more days. If you prefer the liquid Panacur, you can get that from your Veterinarian along with […]
Annual Skunkie Easter Egg Hunt
The 2016 Skunkie Egg Hunt is this coming weekend, Sunday the 13th from 1 to 5 pm at Judy Slade’s house. There will be an egg hunt for the skunks and the people! Spring Prince and Spring Princess and Friendliest will be awarded. Lunch will be served, its a fun time for all! Skunk owners in or near central Florida won’t want to miss this event.
Tennessee Skunk Ownership
It appears that the state of Tennessee has changed it’s mind about pet skunk ownership. Initial approval of the change has been approved. This is seems like a positive move forward that hopefully other states may follow in their footsteps. NASHVILLE — A bill to allow Tennesseans to keep skunks as pets has won initial approval in committees of both the House and Senate with the sponsors contending it will provide a moneymaking opportunity for breeders of domesticated and de-scented animals. The Senate Energy, Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee approved the bill — SB1821 — in less than two minutes on a 7-1 vote without discussion beyond a brief explanation by Sen. Paul Bailey, R-Sparta, the Senate sponsor, who said 17 other states already allow skunks to be kept as domestic pets and sold, including the border states of Kentucky, Alabama and Georgia. The bill is scheduled for a Senate floor vote this week. The discussion was somewhat more lively in the House Agriculture Subcommittee, where the companion bill was approved on voice vote with Rep. Johnny Shaw, D-Bolivar, asking to be recorded as voting no after questioning sponsor Rep. Jeremy Faison, R-Cosby, at some length. Faison said the bill was requested by constituents. Initially, “I thought it was a joke,” he said. But on looking into the matter, Faison said that skunks can be sold as pets for up to $1,000 each and there could be “tons of revenue” for those eager to engage in skunk marketing. There is […]
Oregon Skunk Ownership
The State of Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife has proposed some changes that will affect pet skunk ownership in Oregon, if passed into law. The draft proposals are in various stages of review by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Division, and Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Commission. Oregon pet skunk owners have until March 4, 2026 to send their comments in. On March 18, 2016, there will be a meeting to discuss and decide whether to adopt some, or all of these proposed changes. Read all proposed changes here. At this time, it appears that a Wildlife Holding Permit will be required and owners will be limited to 2 skunks unless they can get approval for more. Breeding is not allowed and skunks will have to be spayed or neutered if two of the opposite sex are housed together. Ownership can only be transferred to other permit holders with prior approval. Facility or home checks may be required. Skunks are required to be permanently marked with a lip tattoo or RFID device. Caging requirements listed below must be met. There is also quite a bit listed about grandfathering for wildlife that is currently, legally owned. The owners will have a year to comply with the new requirements, once they have been finalized. Cage Requirements for Mustelids Ermine (Mustela erminea) Long-Tailed Weasel (Mustela frenata) Skunk (Mephitis spp.) • Enclosures require a 32 square foot area per animal with an enclosure at least 4 feet in height with […]
Pet Skunk Message Board
Introducing the the Pet Skunk Message Board, an online community for skunk owners to chat, ask questions and post pictures of their pet skunks. The message board is public so you can read the topics but if you would like to join in and post, you need to register here. Stop in regularly and share stories about your pet skunk!
Junior Skunks
Fall is here and for those who got a kit in the spring, your baby is officially a junior skunk. He or she should look just like a smaller version of an adult skunk. By now, the 3 de-wormings are complete. Once your skunk weighs 4 pounds or more, you will switch to using Panacur C, 1 gram to de-worm and follow the instructions for an adult skunk. Read more about that here. After completing the cycle of de-worming for 3 days, wait 14 days, then de-worm again for 3 days, you need to mark your calendar to do this twice a year or every 6 months. Make sure all other pets in your household are de-wormed on schedule too as they can pass parasites to your skunk or your skunk to them. Following these easy steps can prevent most cases of prolapses as parasite infestations are almost always the cause of prolapsing in skunks. It will also prevent the discoloration of the white of the fur, assuming the diet fed is healthy. By now, most people will have had their boy skunk neutered. Neutering can be done anywhere between 3 and 6 months assuming the skunk is healthy. Girl skunks are spayed between 4 months and a year, depending on their size. If you have both a boy and a girl skunk that have not been spayed/neutered, it is important that they not be allowed any time together as you do not want to have a surprise litter of […]
The 27TH Annual Skunk Show Winners
The show was great as usual! It is priceless to catch up with old friends and put faces on the people I have corresponded with during the year. Below is the list of winners. I’m sure it was difficult for the judges this year as there were so many beautiful skunks entered. If you missed this one, it is not too early to plan for next year. More information coming soon. Albino Albino Overall 1st - Petals - R. Collum Albino Senior 6-10 1st - Petals - R. Collum Black Classic Black Adult 1-5 1st - Victoria - L. Cober Black Adult 1-5 2nd - Myla - L. Judge Black Adult 1-5 3rd - Logan - J. Lowell Black Overall 1st - Victoria - L. Cober Black Senior 6-10 1st - Reilly - L. Butler Black Senior 6-10 2nd - June Bug - R. Collum Black Senior 6-10 3rd - Daingerfield - M. Howe Black Chip Black Chip Adult 1-5 1st - Thelma - A. Peckham Black Chip Adult 1-5 2nd - Suki - M. Ellis/ Perez Black Chip Adult 1-5 3rd - Cassie - M. Ellis/Perez Black Chip Junior 1st - Ginger - L. Berry Black Chip Junior 2nd - Newt - S. Brunson Black Chip Overall 1st - Ginger - L. Berry Black Chip Overall 2nd - Newt - S. Brunson Black Chip Overall 3rd - Thelma - A. Peckham Black Chip Senior 6-10 1st - Nala - L. Bean Black Chip Senior 6-10 2nd - Harley - […]
Introducing Another Skunk
So you are a skunk owner and are wondering if it is time to add another skunk to your family? This may not be as simple as it sounds. In the wild, skunks are solitary creatures. They interact during mating seasons and in northern states, adults will den together for warmth. Some skunk owners mistakenly believe their skunk requires the company of another skunk only to find their beloved pet reacts with hostility or violence to the newcomer. An adult skunk can sleep at least 20 hours per day and they do NOT require companions other than their human family. If you are new to pet skunks, please do not make this mistake. Some things to consider if you are thinking of adding another skunk: 1) you have the time to properly introduce the new skunk to the household. 2) you can afford the additional medical care. If you have one skunk and struggle with the cost of Veterinary care, you will be doubling that cost by adding another skunk. 3) you can afford to properly feed the newcomer. 4) you have the space in your home to safely house both skunks. If the skunks do not get along, are you willing and able to keep them apart for their safety for as long as it takes? In some cases, this means permanently. In my house, the main exercise we get is by going over the baby gates that section off rooms. 5) you understand skunks are captive wildlife that […]
Obesity in Pet Skunks
Sadly, obesity is much too common in pet skunks and one of the leading causes for their current short lifespan. Obesity is completely the owner’s responsibility! It is difficult to help the skunk owner who doesn’t realize that they are the source of the problem. People are shocked when I ask if the skunk is calling Domino’s to order a pizza? The owner buys, prepares, and serves the skunk the food. Who else could be a fault? I get responses like the skunk gets into food for other pets; the bird feeds the skunk; the skunk is starving and gets mean if I don’t feed them; or my boyfriend, husband, roommate feeds the skunk junk food. All these are excuses that sounds as if the owner is aware of the problem but hasn’t done anything about it. Remove anything eatable out of reach of the skunk. Block access to rooms where other pets are fed. Feed skunk correctly so he/she is not starving and get boyfriend, husband, roommate on the same page regarding skunk’s diet. The skunk should NOT be running the household! If there is one thing we know about skunks, it is that they are opportunistic scavengers. They have an uncanny ability to figure out who will give them what they want and they will focus on that person. There are 4 reasons the skunk is obese: the wrong type of food is being fed (not species appropriate). the wrong portion is being fed (if the food […]
Is Your Skunk Ready to Show?
It is not too early to start preparing your skunk for the show. How is your skunk’s coat? Skunks 2 years and older, may shed in the spring, summer or fall. If your skunk does not have full regrowth of the coat or tail yet, you may want to add an omega 3 fatty acid supplement to their diet. Carlson for Kids Chewable DHA or Nordic Naturals Children’s DHA Strawberry are both great choices for pet skunks. Dosage is 1 of the Carlsons or 2 of the Nordic Naturals per day. Most skunks will eat them like they are a treat. If your skunk will eat fish, you will not need to supplement omega 3 fatty acids. Increase their servings of sardines or wild salmon and you should see a difference within weeks. Hopefully the white portion of your skunk’s fur is not yellowed as that can be a sign of poor health. The white will discolor when the skunk is fed processed foods like kibble or in cases where the skunk was not properly de-wormed. See de-worming instructions for an adult here, or de-worming instructions for a kit here. The yellow will start to slowly go away once the problem is corrected. PetSpan, a chlorella supplement will help speed up removal of the yellow fur. While you are waiting for the yellow fur to go away, try a shampoo for dogs that whitens fur. These shampoos are usually blue or purple colored and add optical enhancers to the coat […]
4 Month Old Skunk Kits
September is a busy month for new skunk owners! In September, the kits born in May will be turning 4 months. There were lots of changes in the last few months as kits grow fast, and are starting to look less like a baby skunk. Like other mammals, some body parts may appear to be growing faster than others, but that should even out in the next few months. By now your little girl should weigh between 2lbs and 3.5lbs depending on whether she will be a small, average or large female. Your little boy will be between 2.5lbs and 4lbs depending on whether he will be a small, average or large male. You should have already purchased a digital baby scale and be maintaining a weight log, weighing the skunk at least once every 2 weeks. This weight log will be beneficial for the skunk’s entire lifetime. Once the skunk reaches his or her adult weight, it will assist you in maintaining the skunk at a healthy weight. It will point to trends that will show if the skunk is gaining or losing weight, this is information your Veterinarian will find helpful. Sometimes the only symptom the skunk is ill, is a weight loss or gain that may, or may not be noticed without the weight log. The 3rd de-worming should be completed no later than the first week of September, if you are following the schedule. If you started late, or got off schedule, now is the time […]
Raw Hemp Cookies
Raw Hemp Cookies are a healthy and tasty treat for skunks and you may you like them too! Keep in mind, it is nutrient dense so follow the recommended portion of one per day. The magnesium content may cause your skunk to have a loose stool if you over do it. Click here to print. ½ cup of Almond Butter (creamy or chunky) ½ cup of Coconut Butter (Cocnonut Manna) 1 cup or more of Raw Hemp Hearts 1 teaspoon of Vanilla Flavoring (optional) pinch of Sea Salt or Himalayan Salt (optional) Measure Almond Butter and Coconut Butter and place in a bowl. If Coconut Butter is hard, place jar in the microwave for 15 seconds to soften. Stir Coconut Butter thoroughly before measuring as it usually separates. Mix Almond Butter and Coconut Butter together. Add optional ingredients if used. Measure out 1 cup of Hemp Hearts and add to the mixture. Stir until fully mixed. Continue adding more Hemp Hearts until hard to stir and the spoon stands upright in the mixture. Using a teaspoon, drop quarter size portions on a surface lined with wax paper or parchment paper. Refrigerate cookies. Use refrigerated cookies within 3 days. Freeze excess amount if any. Notes: You can substitute other nut butters but Almond Butter is the best choice as almonds contain Magnesium, a mineral often lacking in a skunk’s diet. Do not substitute Peanut Butter. Peanuts are not nuts, they are legumes. Peanuts are high in phosphorus which […]
Vetting your Veterinarian
Vetting your Veterinarian - What every skunk guardian needs to, and has a right to know…. How to interview your vet: What is their bite policy? Will bites be reported? This has resulted in the unnecessary seizure and euthanasia of many skunks at this point. Test your vets knowledge of this matter. What is their vaccine protocol? (What are they using, and how often?) Do NOT over vaccinate your skunk. Titers are much safer. Your new vet will need appropriate Skunk Blood Reference Ranges. Share a copy from our Resources page with them, be assured they will keep this on file for you! Is your vet willing to confer with others, or research when needed? Willing to admit if they don’t have an answer, but eager to learn? Is the vets technology up to date, i.e., new (er) diagnostic equipment, digital x-rays? Is your vet tech savvy and able to share and communicate info in timely / modern manner? Is your vet in agreement with the “Do not use meds” list? Be sure your vet will not ever risk your baby’s health with meds other skunks have knowingly died from. How is your vets dietary knowledge? You do not want a vet that advises you to use any kibble made for other species (STOMP is only packaged species appropriate skunk food). WILL they be available to you in case of emergency? If not, who will? Overall “feels”; does he/she like skunks? Do you sense when they handle your pet, that they are handling the way you are raising them […]
Glossary of Pet Skunk Terms
I have started a glossary of pet skunk terms to make it easier for those who may be unfamiliar with some terms used in pet skunk care. I will update as the Mephitis Advocate grows. You can view it here or click on the link under resources. Let me know your suggestions for terms not yet added.
Pet Skunk Blood Work
Blood work should be done on your skunk’s annual wellness exam, and at other times when the Veterinarian needs it for either diagnostic reasons, or preceding surgery. Blood work and x-rays are your Veterinarian’s most often used tools in diagnosing an illness or injury of your skunk. You should expect to have this done prior to the neuter or spay of your kit, and then annually. The senior skunk (6 and older), may require blood work more often. You may be wondering about how the ranges were established. The International Species Information System is the largest global network of zoological interests in the world with more than 20,000 employees of zoos, aquariums and other organizations in almost 80 countries. They establish ranges by taking a representative sample of the species and provide those blood chemistry ranges to laboratories who process the samples that your Veterinarian submits for analysis. A full blood panel should include the following: 1) Complete Blood Count (CBC): A CBC is the measure of white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets. The CBC can be used to diagnose an infection, anemia, low platelet count, and bone marrow disease. The Eosinophil reading for a skunk is particularly helpful in determining whether the skunk has parasites. A reading over 3, means the skunk needs to be de-wormed. Eosinophils may increase if the skunk has an allergy, but in my experience, it rises due to parasite infestation. 2) Chemistry panel: The minor chemistry panel provides information on kidney and liver values, […]