Over time we have been asked about our skunks and whether or not they have been descented, well Maple and Blossom have been, but Fred our young male has not, he is whole and has the potential to spray us whenever he feels necessary. I realise that this may not be news to some of you after a certain member on here decided it was their perogative to answer questions pertaining to our animals. But now, as we have been given a moving in date by our soon to be new extremely animal friendly landlords we feel we can let those that don't know, know and hopefully dispel any doubts anyone has about sharing your living space with an entire live-firing skunk.

__________________
http://www.herorat.org Go on sponsor a rat today and possibly save a life

He looks lovely!
I'm eager to hear more - this is the first account of living with (as opposed to having outdoors) a live-firing skunk and would love to know how it works, and how you find it.

__________________
Brand new equipment for sale!
Habistat Thermostats
ExoTerra Digital Thermometers and Hygrometers

Hehe, I'd love to know how nervous is makes you and have you or Lou been targetted yet? hehe

__________________


1.2 Brazilian Rainbow Boas, 1.0 Kenyan Sand Boa, 2.2 Amazon Tree Boas, 1.0 Rosy Boa, 0.1 Royal Python, 0.1 Borneo Blood Python, 0.1 Chilean Rose, 0.0.1 Honduran Curly Hair, 0.1 Green Iguana, 1.0 Bearded Dragon, 0.0.1 Emperor Scorps, 0.0.1 Lined Mantis, 1.1 AFTs (Co-owned)

Computer says no

Initially we took things very slowly with Fred, we'd been told he had only fired off once, when he was startled by a big black dog. We took no special precautions with him really apart from trying not to startle him, saying hello to him when you went in a room he was running around in to make him aware you were about (skunks have terrible eyesight but good hearing).
He had full, free-roaming rights and apart from a bit of posturing now and again, and chasing Blaze (our big black dog) everything went very well and we allowed him to find his footing. After about 10 days or so of pussyfooting around him, Lou took the plunge and picked him up, no problems.

We have had three spraying incidents to date, Fidget (our European Polecat) has been hit twice when Fidget has slipped past our guard and managed to get to the skunks, and once when Fred snuck up on Blaze when he was snoozing next to me, startled the dog, who jumped and in turn startled Fred, next thing I know there is a very pungent onion/garlic smell arising from Blaze. On all three occasions the animals have been immediately bathed with Johnsons Baby Shampoo and it seems to do the trick.
On the whole we don't treat Fred any differently to Maple or Blossom (who have been descented).
I do have moments of clarity where I find myself asking myself "WTF are we doing having a live firing skunk in the house?" but the answer is always the same..."Why not? Someone has too..." and I feel priviledged too sahre our house with Fred, he is indeed a special skunk and we love him dearly.

It has also made me question the de-scenting issue more deeply and other 'mutilations' such as venemoids and I have found myself shifting my stance to be very on the fence. I understand both sides of the arguments.

__________________
http://www.herorat.org Go on sponsor a rat today and possibly save a life

Ive visited Fred and felt totally relaxed with him inches away from me.

Lou whats worse an intact skunk or an intact Fixx after a veggie curry?

oh god a post veggie curry Fixx for sure, we have to evacuate the room with Fixx.

Fred is lovelh isnt he, a little shy but lovely

You have my full sympathy

Cool Pics !!!

he looks so cute and cheeky

It cant smell any worse than ferret fart!!

Marina

__________________


Hold on to your hopes and dreams
Hold on to who you are
Give in
Take the journey.