Fennec foxes(Vulpes zerda) are small, furry creatures found in the Sahara desert and the united states. They are also called desert foxes or Fennecs. Fennec foxes can make great pets for some people, though not suitable for most. But there are many other exotic pet options like the Clown ball python, if you’re a reptile person, or the African Grey parrot for instance.
Fennecs do best if they live indoors with a caring and a loving owner who understands their needs and provide them with lots of care and attention. However, despite being pets, it’s good to remember that Fennec foxes are meant to be wild. There are conflicting opinions about whether Fennec foxes should be kept as pets.
This article will present everything you need to know about Fennec foxes as pets. We will look at its behavior, health and care, and general aspect of raising this animal.
Fennec Fox Behavior
Fennec foxes can be very energetic. This pet needs to be out running around and playing. Do not expect a fennec fox to keep you company while watching a movie or working on the computer. Fennecs will constantly want attention from their owners and cry if they don’t get it. Fennec fox is an outdoor animal and will only stay indoors when it is freezing outside or sick. These pets need to have lots of room and running space for exercise. If your yard or house is too tiny for a Fennec Fox, then it is not a suitable environment for this pet. This pet is stubborn when bored, so it’s not a surprise if it tears apart or chews up things in your house.
Fennec Fox Temperament
This pet is known for being hardy and friendly. Do not try to touch or do pat your Fennec Fox right after feeding it, and this is when they tend to bite their most because they are so full of energy and food. Fennec Fox is also aggressive with cats, dogs, and other household pets, and they do better when there is only a single pet in the household. Please do not keep this pet in the same house as children, as their bite is strong and deadly to a small child. They are also cautious and quick to flee if frightened- they choose flight over fight. However, they will bite if something truly angers them.
Behavior
Fennec Fox makes various vocalizations to express their moods, and some can be very loud. However, when comfortable and happy, they enjoy playing with their owners, but they prefer playing alone in most cases.
Housing for the Fennec Fox
This pet needs to be housed outside because it is not domesticated. You need an outdoor pen that measures at least six by 10 feet, but if you only have one or two pets, then 3-foot fencing will work pretty well.
The pen should be built in an area free from predators, and it should have a roof, which means it should be far away from buildings and your house. A heated dog house will best favor the pet, for it won’t allow your fennec fox to freeze at night-time. Ensure that your exit gates are durable enough and secure to prevent your Fennecs from escaping. If you house more than one Fennec Fox, it is nice to have their own space and a big room in between each other to roam around freely without any confrontations.
Food and water
Fennec Fox is technically omnivorous; hence you can feed your pets anything from meat to vegetables and fruits. Fennecs eat a diet high in protein but low in fats and carbohydrates. It would be best to feed your pet any food. Wrong foods can trigger health problems or even death.
Fennec Fox requires more water than other animals of their size due to living in arid environments where it’s boiling. You must provide them with fresh water every day, don’t leave a bowl of water for them.
Life expectancy
Fennec Fox has a lifespan of 15 years while in their best care.
Health
The Fennec Fox is prone to liver, heart disease, and kidney problems. Symptoms of these diseases are lethargy and lack of appetite. They can also develop skin infections, mites, and intestinal parasites. Skin infections present with a lot of itching, while intestinal parasites can cause abnormal feces, poor appetite, and weight loss.
Kidney problems are common in Fennecs, caused by the lack of calcium in their diet. It is of many benefits if you don’t overfeed your Fennec, which can trigger kidney failure. Luckily, this condition can be rectified if you feed your Fennec a vitamin D and calcium-fortified food.
You must also not feed your Fennec with flesh or any human food full of fat. These will trigger pancreatitis, and likely it will kill your pet because it is very hard to treat.
If your Fennec Fox has worms, this is due to fleas that have infected their coat. Ensure to treat fleas and keep them under control, so they don’t harm your pet.
Exercise
Fennec Foxes need lots of exercise, both indoors and outdoors. So, you need to provide a huge space to roam. You can also let your Fennec run around a fenced yard, but you need to ensure that your fence is 5 to 6 feet. You also need to supervise your Fennec to make sure it doesn’t start to dig under the fence or climb.
Legality
Laws and by-laws about owning a Fennec Fox vary widely depending on the jurisdiction. Most parts of the united states have regulations regarding fennecs, and these regulations run from outright bans to simply requiring a permit. In some countries, ownership of Fennec Fox is acceptable by the state, but local laws conflict the state law.
Final Thoughts on Fennec Foxes as Pets
Fennec Foxes might not be the best pets for beginners. They have numerous needs, and many people don’t consider various factors before keeping Fennec Foxes as a pets which is uncomfortable for both the pet and the owner. If you think you can keep one, you’ll need a house with proper fencing and plenty of room. If you ensure that all their requirements are met, you will have little to worry about with your Fennec. But remember, Fennec Foxes are wild, so be ready to deal with these challenges.
If you are looking for content on other animals, you can begin here: How To Get Rid of Gophers, Keeping French Lops as Pets, Which fish can live in a bowl without a filter?, When is the Right Time to Get a Family Pet?, Hypoallergenic Pets, Largest species of wolf,
