Fennec Fox Care
First
and foremost make sure that it is legal to own a fennec fox in your
area. You will need to check with your state's DNR or Fish and
Wildlife Division. Also some counties and cities have their own
ordinances regarding the ownership of exotic pets. It is better to
have all your bases covered than to find out later that your fox is
illegal to own.
Diet-I
feed canned cat food (Friskies sliced chicken, the first ingredient
is chicken, rather than by-products), a variety of fresh produce, and
Purina dry Puppy Chow, Little Bites or Pedigree small crunchy bites. I feed pups twice a day, the
adults once a day, with dry food out to nibble through the day. I give a variety of fresh produce. I
have fresh water available at all times. I leave a dish out where
they can get to it while they are free in the house, and a water
bottle in their kennel. They do not drink much water, in the wild
almost none, but they need to have it available. Treats can include
various kinds of fruit, not too much though as it can cause loose
stools. They all seem to love fruit, most like bananas and
watermelon. As the pups get older you can experiment with different
kinds of treats like Cheerios and goldfish crackers. For a special
treat or to lure them to do something, they adore mini marshmallows,
definitely use in moderation.
Housing-
a dog kennel, large ferret cage, or cat play cage will work fine.
You can also construct a larger cage if the fennec will need to be
housed in it for longer lengths of time. Be sure the pup cannot
escape. If it can, use chicken wire or other small wire to cover the
kennel or cage until the pup gets bigger.
Social
adjustment-
the fennecs need a lot of playtime. The more they can have the run
of the house or at least a room, the better. The more time you spend
with them, the more they will bond with you. When the pup is out,
pick it up often, rub it and hold it close to you, then let it back
down to play. This will make you familiar to the fox but it will
learn that holding doesn't mean the end of playtime. They will
learn their name quite quickly, especially if a treat is offered
occasionally when they come when called. Some foxes are cuddlier
than others and will want to be held and stroked. Some will prefer
affection only on their terms, preferring an ear or tummy rub when
they lay next to you.
Health
Needs-
first, find a vet who will treat your fox before you need them. Some
small animal vets may treat them, if they understand that they are
tame and handleable. Your pup will have its vaccination against
distemper when you receive it. The manufacturer recommends yearly
boosters, but that is for dogs. I don't think it is necessary to
vaccinate that often. The only distemper vaccine I use and
recommend is Galaxy D. I give 2- ½ doses 10 days apart. For
rabies, I recommend Imrab-3. If you ever need to have a vet
administer anesthesia, make sure they are very careful, as these
foxes are extremely sensitive. I have had good luck with ampicillin
when an antibiotic is needed. It is a good idea to worm the foxes
every 6 months. I use Nemex 2, it can be purchased over the counter,
I get mine at a farm store.
Litter
boxes-Some
foxes take to the litter box easier than others. I use Yesterday's
News paper litter. Some foxes like to dig in their litter box and it is less dusty than clay litter.
A covered litter box is a good idea if your particular fox digs a
lot while in the kennel; it helps to minimize the mess. Do not use
clumping litter, as it will stick to the fur on their feet. If the
foxes have a large area of the house to run in, it is a good idea to
have more than one litter box out. It is also a good idea to have
their kennel accessible to them, as they may prefer to use the litter
box in their kennel. This also gives them a safe haven if they want
to take a nap, especially if there are other pets in the house. I use Zema puppy training spray to help attract the pups to the litter. I recommend its continued use after you get them home. Most fennecs will not completely litter train. Some do better with puppy pads or newspaper. Some just never get the hang of it. Something all potential fennec owners should be prepared for.
Toys-
Fennecs love mouse-shaped cat toys most will throw them in the air
chase them and pounce on them. Some also like to play with small
balls especially soft ones that make noise. Any toy that the fox can
chew up is obviously not a good idea. Also, I don't leave toys in
the kennel, they may find a way to chew off a piece and choke.
Precautions-The
most important part of fox-proofing your house is to make sure there
are not things lying around they can chew up or swallow. They seem
to be attracted to rubbery things; rubber bands, rubber earplugs,
pacifiers or bottle nipples could land you the vet's office with
your fox requiring surgery (I speak from experience). They also like
to chew up Styrofoam. Most foxes do not like to be bothered when
they are eating. They will feel the need to defend their food. That
usually means they will nip. It is not a good idea to leave children
unattended with your fox. They are still essentially wild animals
although they are very sweet and tame; they can be more unpredictable
than a dog. You will get to know your fox. If it is not acting normal to you, it is a good idea to have it checked. They are
very hardy and unusual behavior may be the only symptom you get that
something is wrong.