Plus, it's best to check out the animal and the seller in person before committing. Fennec fox for sale. Some fennecs, especially unneutered males, will also mark their territory with urine—including the inside of your home. Also, try to secure references from other people who have gotten a fox from that seller to make sure the seller is trustworthy. Fennec foxes are the smallest wild canid. Fennecs need preventative care similar to dogs. Merck Veterinary Manual, The Spruce Pets uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Also, you should avoid feeding them spicy foods such as pepper, onions, chocolate, and dairy. While most would rather choose flight over fight, they will bite if something truly angers them. The ears are used to radiate body heat and lower their temperature, they have adopted to surviving the Sahara desert. They are social animals that live in colonies of up to 10 other foxes (in the wild.). Unfortunately, animals in the fox family are commonly banned in most states because wild, native foxes are rabies vectors and there are no approved rabies vaccines for them. Additionally, you’ll want to make sure they are getting the right mix of vitamins and minerals to keep them happy and healthy. Is it legal to own a Fennec fox? It gives birth to a litter of between two to four cubs, which are called kits. Mass: 0.68 – 1.6 kg (Adult). Also, its hearing is sensitive to hear prey moving underground. Active and energetic, fennec foxes need a lot of attention. Russian Red Fox (Siberian Fox): Species Profile, Axolotl (Mexican Walking Fish): Species Profile, Mexican Redleg Tarantula: Species Profile. I have shared a few cons of keeping a fennec fox as a pet: Fennec Foxes sometime scream very loud at night which may disturb your family members or neighbors. The training process involves taking the fox frequently to the litter box and giving lots of treats when it succeeds in using the box. Let’s all agree on one thing; foxes are very cute. Q: I saw a picture of a fennec fox on Facebook. They are sometimes very unpredictable and hyper, so be careful with them. So, when you make the decision to add one of these tiny creatures to your family, you are making a long-term commitment to its health and welfare. It can be especially difficult to manage their high energy level during the hours when most people are sleeping. Mexican Red knee Tarantula – Origin, Facts. Fennec foxes eat insects, small rodents, lizards, birds and birds’ eggs. Although fennec foxes are bred in captivity, they aren't domesticated animals. This is one of the smallest – if not the smallest – foxes known to man. A price less than this is usually a red flag and potentially the sign of some sort of scam. You can use any dog or cat shampoo or cleanser to wash them. The fennec fox, also known as the desert fox, is a petite animal that's native to the Sahara desert and other parts of North Africa. They are considered illegal to keep as pets in some places in the world but not in others. However, as their habitat becomes more populated with humans and the accompanying land developments and urbanization, there may be future threats to their conservation status. These foxes are monogamous animals that mate for life with one partner. Males may become aggressive during mating season. So, if someone asks you, “Can fennec foxes be pets”, say yes! They have a cat’s size, but their energy level and playfulness are like that of a dog. Fennec Foxes are very disobedient and difficult to house train; You will need to provide a full room or an outdoor enclosure as they are very active and high energy animals. Fennecs must remain warm and will shiver if the air temperature goes below 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Scientific name: Vulpes zerda A: There’s no doubt that fennec foxes are cute, with that tiny body (they’re about the size of a Chihuahua, weighing 2 to 4 pounds) and those enormous ears. Although fennecs typically live in groups in the wild, they tend to be somewhat independent as pets. Monitoring your foxes’ diet is essential as these furry friends tend to overeat and become overweight, which can be dangerous for their health. In the third quarter of 2017, it was re-issued for a limited time as an epic reward from Dwarven Crown Crates. The Fennec Fox also has large, white tufts of fur in its big ears, which are invariable. Fennec fox belongs to the dog family. If you must give them bones, you need to give them uncooked bones because cooked bones are brittle and can harm their throat and intestines. The Fennec Fox as a Pet The Fennec fox is a beautiful, clean, friendly and loving animal that can be easily domesticated. The Exotic Chew Toy is an item that summons a Fennec Fox pet when used. They are true foxes (Vulpes), which means they have smaller skulls and body sizes than other foxes. Typically, males are larger than females. Their ultra-sensitive ears can pick up the slightest of sounds, which helps in finding food and prey. See more ideas about Fennec fox, Fennec fox pet, Fox. Documentation on how to edit this page can be found at Template:PetInfobox/doc. Truth: The majority of pet fennecs are cared for correctly, as their care is not difficult to provide for, and when proper care is provided, live lives much greater than their wild counterparts; up to 15 years compared to the 6-10 seen in the wild. Some sellers will ship their foxes to you, but this can be very stressful for the animal. Fennec fox is a beautiful animal that will melt your heart at the first sight, and if you are looking for Fennec fox for sale, you are at the right place. The fennec fox, which is native to some parts of the Sahara Desert and the Arabian peninsula, is popular as an exotic pet. They do not need to be kept in pairs. If you're interested in similar pets, check out: Otherwise, check out other exotic animals that can be your new pet. Arctic Fox. This means that there are a lot more rules and a lot more regulations in your path. The desert nights of the fennec fox. The fennec fox, also known as the desert fox, is a petite animal that's native to the Sahara desert and other parts of North Africa. To make it clear, the Fennec fox is officially classed as an ‘exotic’ pet and although they can be tamed aren’t domesticated and are still deemed as a wild animal. The natural habitat that you will find a fennec fox is in the Sahara deser… Also, you might have to travel a great distance to a breeder, as there aren't that many across the U.S. Fennec is an Arabic word, which means fox, while its species’ name, zerda, means dry in Greek. You can use the same method to train the fox to relieve itself outdoors. Fennecs can survive up to 14 years in captivity if well cared for. Thus, it's not easy to care for a pet fennec fox. Essentially, you can describe fennec foxes in two words: high maintenance. For example, they can hear a sound as minute as a beetle walking across sand! If you don’t plan to breed your fox, you may want to have it neutered or spayed. They also can develop skin infections and mites, as well as intestinal parasites. Fennec foxes are classified with coyotes, jackals, and arctic foxes as small wild/exotic canids. They are agile and cuddly like a cat and indulge in mutual grooming and nibbling, which is not aggressive. CITES lists them as a threatened species. Along with Troy the Siberian Husky, Anna the Chizer (Chihuahua/Miniature Schnauzer) and the 2 Maine Coon cats: Boots and Chubby. In the wild, they enjoy munching on a varied assortment of creepy crawlies, rodents, plants, organic product, and reptiles. The eyes are brown, and the pupils are large. Keeping native wildlife species like the red fox as pets is still banned in Texas. To stop your fox from digging under the walls, build the pen over pavers, concrete, or wood decking, preferably with a layer of sand or dirt over the top for a more natural environment. A yearly wellness exam is recommended, and your vet will advise you on deworming, heartworm prevention, and flea control if necessary. This is in line with a growing number of Instagram-famous foxes like Juniper Fox (one million followers), Penny the Fox (30k) and Yui and Enn (also 30k). As of 2014, the states that ban the possession of Fennec foxes are Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, and Washington. Claim: Fennec foxes live shortened lifespans as pets due to stress and improper care. Required fields are marked *. As to hygiene, fennec foxes do not need regular baths because they are expert self-groomers. Since you probably don’t want to spend your time catching insects to feed your pet, you should consult an exotic pet veterinarian to design a diet plan for your fox. Other bodily features, like its coat and kidney functions, are also adaptations for survival in an arid desert environment. Most owners feed meals twice a day, though you should follow your vet's recommendations on this. Symptoms of these diseases include lethargy and a lack of appetite. Read our. States including Florida, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan and Texas require either a permit or health certificate for fennec foxes. These animals make a variety of vocalizations to express their moods, and some can be very loud. This behavior helps strengthen the social bonding among them. Its coat, ears, and kidney functions have adapted to the desert environment with high temperatures and little water. Fennec foxes can be difficult to keep as pets. The Pet FennecFoxhas an orange color around the majority of its head and body. They are quick, active, and agile animals. Is that a good idea? It was originally believed to be obtained by redeeming the ultra rare pet 4-37 named "Silverowl" from the Adopt-A-Pet Spring Cottages. A healthy fox will typically be alert and active, though it might be shy around you at first. Conservation status: Least Concern (Encyclopedia of Life) Those ears help them listen for prey underground and … Fennecs can be trained to walk on a leash, which helps to get some of their energy out each day. In the wild, Fennec foxes live in communities and are very social. Most parts of the United States have some regulations regarding fennecs—from outright bans to simply requiring a permit. Some fennecs will get along with other household pets, especially dogs and cats around their size. Fennec foxes have an average lifespan of around 10 years in the wild and 13 to 14 years in captivity. People have been keeping fennec foxes as a pet for a long time. In addition, breeders should be licensed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Are they Venomous? There is absolutely no evidence supporting the notion that pet fennec foxes … There is a great deal that goes into the consideration of Fennec foxes on the off … Introduction at a young age will help them coexist more peacefully with other animals, as well as bond with their human family members. This is a desert animal that can adapt to high temperatures and low water levels. Kits reach maturity within a period of 10 months. Mating Fennec Foxes. In general, fennec foxes as pets make good house pets and can be enjoyed by the whole family. Fennec foxes cost approximately $1500-2000! The secondary color around its eyes and belly is a shade of white very similar to snow. And either angle the fencing in at the top, or cover the whole top of the enclosure with screening. fennec fox pet The fennec fox pet is most notable for its large ears. If you don't have a suitable outdoor pen, use a dog crate indoors. Although they cannot be compared to domestic animals, they are like a combination of a cat and a dog. Height: 20 cm (Adult) Fennec foxes behave a bit like active, playful little dogs. That’s why, as a pet in areas such as Europe and the United States, it suffers from renal and thermoregulatory problems. So it's important to put away breakables and anything that might injure your animal. Fennec foxes are opportunistic eaters. Fennec foxes are climbers and diggers. Vulpes is the Latin word for fox. While they're more expensive, it's best to acquire a newly weaned young fox, rather than an adult. Expect to spend around $1,500 to $3,500 on average for a young fennec from a reputable breeder. Trophic level: Omnivorous Encyclopedia of Life These animals generally adapt to life in captivity much better than an animal that previously lived in the wild. Also, provide a bowl of clean water at all times. They also engage in stiff competition for female partners during the mating season. (A lot of litter will fly out of the box otherwise.) Fennec fox pet is happy kept alone, or interacting with the family cat or dog (as long as the dog is not a hunting species- the dog’s reaction to the Fennec will be the same as it would be to any small prey animal, not to another dog.) Your email address will not be published. Fennec fox are additionally equipped for going for extensive stretches without burning-through water; they can hydrate through the food they devour. The female fennec fox, which is called a vixen, reproduces only once a year, and has a … During breeding season, vixens may develop “love handles,” or alopecia on their sides. He will prescribe an eating regimen of crude meat, vegetables, and a vitamin blend. Fennec foxes behave a bit like active, playful little dogs. You should not treat them like other domestic animals because they are exotic animals. Hints, Guides and Discussions of the Wiki content related to Fennec Fox should be placed in the Discussion Topic.. You'll have better odds of your fox growing up to be tame and friendly this way. Plus, fennec foxes are mostly nocturnal, meaning they're more active at night. Since they are not a domesticated breed, it’s difficult to predict their behaviors or temperaments. As pets, they usually aren’t very cuddly with people. Fennec foxes which are otherwise called desert foxes begun in Africa and are viewed as an intriguing pet. There is no simple answer to this complex question because laws regulating exotic pet ownership can vary widely from state to state and different jurisdictions. Overly large ears, sandy fur, and expressive dark eyes combine to form a Yoda-like appearance that rates high on the cuteness counter. You should also learn which licenses and vaccines are needed for owning a fennec fox in your area. The large ears is a major characteristic that makes them so easily identified from other fox species. New York statutes list the fennec fox as a companion animal. The item tooltip refers to the fact that fennec foxes are known for being able to produce … The fennec fox may be the only Sahara Desert mammal able to live well without free water. Skin infections can present with a lot of itching while intestinal parasites can cause abnormal feces, weight loss, and poor appetite. For months people have been asking me to do a video about fennec foxes. Their tails are about 20cm-30 cm (3 to 12 inches) long with a black tip. Firstly, did you know the fennec fox is the only species in the Fox family that can be kept as a pet? Most fennecs are bred while they are still kits and are hand-reared because they are easily tamed and handled at this early stage. Their preferred foods are small mammals, insects, and birds. As desert animals, fennecs require temperatures of at least 68 degrees Fahrenheit. It is also available for purchase from the Crown Store's Gem Store with crown gems obtained from crown crates. Never punish an animal for accidents in the house. Over the past five years, searches for ‘where to get a fox’ have gone up notably on Google. The fennec has a life span of up to 14 years in captivity and about 1… Tom Thai, via flickr, CC BY 2.0 License. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Vaccination of Exotic Mammals. However, it’s important to remember these are still animals with wild instincts, even if they were bred in captivity. One of the main reasons for not keeping a fennec fox as a pet is the climate. You can visit your nearest zoo to enquire about fennec foxes and where to buy them. It mainly eats insects, small mammals, and birds. Because chances are, they will exceed your expectation and surprise you. Adult Size: 9 to 16 inches long, weighing 1.5 to 3.5 pounds, Life Expectancy: Up to 14 years in captivity. It is available from the Traveling Merchant for 1. There is a swirl, that is colored based on the main color of the fur, in the center of the pet's forehead. This makes them more sought after as a pet. Although it's not common, sometimes these tiny foxes with oversized ears are kept as pets. They can dig up to twenty feet underground in a single might, so they must have a secure area for exercise. 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. They are considered one of the smallest Canidae species in the world. There is a lot that goes into the care of Fennec foxes if you are looking into getting one as a pet. But just because something is cute, doesn’t mean you need to own it. Are you wondering why the fennec fox looks similar to your … You might be able to tolerate some inappropriate behaviors such as digging or toileting accidents, but what if they bite you or one of your loved ones? Plus, some local laws might conflict with state laws, so be sure to check the regulations for exactly where you live. 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. To be safe and to ensure you don’t end up losing a beloved pet, make sure you research the legality of owning an exotic pet in your locality. Common health problems in fennecs are similar to what many dogs experience. Their scent gland is found on the tip of their tail and can give off a musky odor if the fox is startled. The fennec fox or fennec (Vulpes zerda) is a wild animal but also considered a good pet. Fortunately many fennecs will adapt to their human's schedule, rather than remaining nocturnal. However, there were never any confirmed cases of that ultra rare pet being found. I’ve heard that some people keep them as pets. Fundamentally, this is because the animal would die very quickly in its new habitat that we call home. Before you consider adding a Fennec fox to the family, check on the legal issues concerning the exotic pet in your area. While indoors, your fennec will likely jump on furniture and could potentially knock over decorations and other items as it plays. They are very popular for their large ears, small sizes, sweet personality, and long life expectancy. The mother weans the kits after about 70 days. Along with the proper diet, you have to be able to provide enough space and activities to keep your animal happy and healthy. If you are looking for a small, otherworldly exotic pet, a Fennec fox might be the right match for you. Although it's not common, sometimes these tiny foxes with oversized ears are kept as pets. What Should a Pet Fox Eat to Stay Healthy? (They can dog holes 20 feet deep!) Before you even acquire a fennec fox, you must make sure there is an exotic veterinarian near you who will treat such an animal. And because they are prey animals in the wild, they can be rather skittish and startled easily. Many people make their own outdoor pens out of wood and wire screening. A ten-month-old fennec fox who is being trained for the film industry. Fennec Foxes are good at running, climbing, and digging: One thing that you should not do is underestimate your pet, Fennec Fox. The Rare Pet Fennec Fox is a non-member land pet. But most owners feed their fennecs a mix of dog food, cat food, vegetables, and fruit. 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Along with the proper diet, you might have to be able to supervise them simply because they are to... It is wise to avoid giving them bones, especially those that are cooked and functions! That can adapt to their friendliness and energy 's recommendations on this: saw.