So, where is a good place to buy a Fennec fox and how do you get in contact with licensed breeders? These two questions are vitally important and are questions that need to be answered. It can be rather hard to find breeders in your area that breed Fennec foxes and are licensed.
If you do want one of these animals you may have to be prepared to travel far. There is a great online resource that gives a list of breeders by state and their contact information.
This is helpful because you can find the breeder closest to you and buy your Fennec fox. If you are wanting to check out this website, click here. There are also other websites like this on the internet. They must have borrowed their ear genes from a larger relative.
Now once you have found out that you can legally own one of these adorable animals and you are wanting to make it yours, it is important to know the price and upkeep of these animals.
Not to mention that all breeders are taking pre-orders for their foxes so you may have to wait a year or more before getting your Fennec fox. Once you guys find and obtain your Fennec fox there comes into play the price of housing and feeding your new cute critter. You need to be able and prepared to spend a couple of thousands of dollars on your animal. Also, take into account that you will need to find a vet that is not only willing to work on an exotic pet but will specifically work on Fennec foxes.
Understanding that these vets will probably charge more for the care of exotic pets is important to remember. Although not as bad as skunks, Fennec Foxes have glands on the ends of their tails that emit a foul odor when they are frightened or angry. These animals are quite adorable, although they can be described as rather unique looking.
They look a lot like the foxes we know and are used to with a few minor and major differences. One of the biggest major differences between regular red foxes and Fennec foxes is their size. Red foxes get to be around pounds, and they are considered small in the dog family. Fennec foxes on the other hand only get to be about pounds. They are the smallest breed or type of fox and one of the reasons that they are so loved is their size.
So although they are foxes, these little guys measure in way under the normal weight range. One of the most distinguished features that Fennec foxes are known for is their rather large ears. The 6-inch-long ears are indeed a great tool for listening in on prey. The foxes tilt their heads from side to side while triangulating sound so they can pinpoint the exact location of insects, rodents, reptiles and other tasty treats, which are often hiding just under the sand.
This trait is unique to the Fennec fox. Their ears help them find prey in the desert as they are hunting.
Their ears are also useful for controlling their body heat and protecting them in their environment. Pretty much these animals ears are like a superpower for these little animals. The last distinguishing feature for the Fennec fox is its coloring.
Red foxes have rather red coats while arctic foxes have white coats. Fennec Foxes, on the other hand, have coats that are almost strawberry blonde in color. Some taking more after the red side while others are obviously blonder. Their coats are one of the many things that make them special and unique. They help them camouflage in the desert and make them look a little more doglike. All of these differences being said, Fennec foxes do look predominantly like a fox. Another unique quality that foxes share is their tail glands.
Foxes have glands above their tails that release a musk when they are frightened or scared. Not nearly or anywhere close to the stink that skunks and muskrats release when they are scared, the foxes musk can still be unpleasant and gives them a bad rap for being smelly animals. These animals do look dog-like when running and have a lot of their personality traits. They must run in the family. But these animals are desired not only for their dog like traits but because they are very much so foxes.
Fennec foxes come from Africa where they live among the Sahara desert and other locations in Northern Africa. These foxes have adapted to live quite peacefully in the hot Saharan days.
Having a thick fur could seem like a disadvantage for an animal trying to survive in extreme heats, but for the Fennec fox, it is actually quite helpful. Their fur helps to insulate against the heat of the day as their large ears radiate heat helping them remain cool. Their fur-covered feet act as little shoes and protect the Fennec foxes paws from burning on the hot Saharan sand. They also help in digging which is very important to the survival of the Fennec fox.
Fennec foxes live in dens under the ground, so their paws are one of their most important tools. They are also nocturnal which helps protect them from the harmful heat during the night. You can use the same method to train the fox to relieve itself outdoors. Never punish an animal for accidents in the house. In the wild, fennec foxes are omnivores that eat a varied diet of meat and plants, including rodents, birds, insects, and fruit.
An optimal diet for a pet fennec fox is a commercial wild canid diet, which is what many zoos feed them. But most owners feed their fennecs a mix of dog food, cat food, vegetables, and fruit. Consult your veterinarian on the right quantity and variety for your fox, as this can vary depending on age, size, and activity level.
Most owners feed meals twice a day, though you should follow your vet's recommendations on this. You can simply put the food in a bowl for your fox, or you can hide some in a treat puzzle to give your pet some mental enrichment.
Also, provide a bowl of clean water at all times. Before you even acquire a fennec fox, you must make sure there is an exotic veterinarian near you who will treat such an animal. Fennecs need preventative care similar to dogs. They should be routinely vaccinated for rabies, canine distemper virus, parvovirus, and adenovirus.
Your vet should be able to recommend the correct course of vaccines. A yearly wellness exam is recommended, and your vet will advise you on deworming, heartworm prevention, and flea control if necessary. Common health problems in fennecs are similar to what many dogs experience. They are prone to kidney, liver, and heart disease, especially if their diet is poor. Symptoms of these diseases include lethargy and a lack of appetite.
They also can develop skin infections and mites, as well as intestinal parasites. Skin infections can present with a lot of itching while intestinal parasites can cause abnormal feces, weight loss, and poor appetite.
Laws about owning a fennec fox vary widely depending on the jurisdiction. Most parts of the United States have some regulations regarding fennecs—from outright bans to simply requiring a permit. Plus, some local laws might conflict with state laws, so be sure to check the regulations for exactly where you live.
Moreover, it is vital that you acquire your fennec from a reputable breeder or rescue organization. While the odds are slim that you'll find a seller of wild-caught fennecs in the United States, it's still important to ensure your fennec was captive-bred.
These animals generally adapt to life in captivity much better than an animal that previously lived in the wild. A price less than this is usually a red flag and potentially the sign of some sort of scam.
Also, you might have to travel a great distance to a breeder, as there aren't that many across the U. Some sellers will ship their foxes to you, but this can be very stressful for the animal. Plus, it's best to check out the animal and the seller in person before committing. Make sure the seller can give you thorough information on the animal's origin and health history.
Also, try to secure references from other people who have gotten a fox from that seller to make sure the seller is trustworthy. In addition, breeders should be licensed by the U. Department of Agriculture. While they're more expensive, it's best to acquire a newly weaned young fox, rather than an adult.
Is that a good idea? Vulpes zerda the scientific name is the smallest member of the dog family. Fennec foxes are crepuscular, meaning they are typically active at dawn and twilight. Those may be the times of day they are most energetic and playful. They enjoy digging and have been known to excavate deep holes, perhaps in search of the insects and rodents that those big ears tell them are underground.
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